Legal think tank Veritas has criticized the Electoral Commission of Zimbabwe for seeking approval by its parent ministry for regulations, arguing that this undermines the independence of the commission.
Concerns of political interference in the affairs of ZIK have often been raised by stakeholders, including voters, with allegations that ZANU-PF influences the commission’s decisions.
“It should not have the minister’s approval for regulations. It should be independent in its decisions,” Veritas said in its latest report on recommendations to amend the electoral law.
“The commission should be able to issue codes of conduct for traditional leaders, public servants and media workers during elections.”
Veritas said Zik must be protected from political interference to enhance transparency and credibility in the conduct of elections.
“The European Commission must be more transparent in all its activities, for example, in its meetings and decisions,” he added. “It must publish an electoral calendar and must be able to postpone elections when necessary as we head towards 2028,” Veritas said.
Zeke’s independence has been a controversial issue, with past events highlighting the challenges the Electoral College faces in maintaining impartiality.
Central Electoral Commission chairperson Priscilla Chigumba once said that the EMB’s recommendations on amending the electoral law to ensure credible elections had been rejected by the ruling Zanu PF party.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised to improve the way elections are conducted, but the opposition continues to accuse the ZANU-PF government of tampering with the elections.
After the 2018 elections, observation missions called for the harmonization of the electoral law with the constitution, among other recommendations. Newsday
