Derick Tsimba
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has held its post election review conference to reflect the 2018 Harmonised elections ahead of the 2023 electoral cycle, the ZEC Chairperson has said.
Speaking yesterday during the ZEC post election review conference at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, ZEC Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said there was need to review the 2018 Harmonised elections to improve the conduct of future elections.
“The main objective of this ZEC post election review conference is to reflect on the 2018 Harmonised Elections in order to adequately prepare for the 2023 electoral cycle, the review exercise is meant to take stock of processes and procedures employed during the last elections with a view to strengthening and improving the conduct of future elections.
“The obligation to improve our electoral processes is the responsibility of all of us. Any criticisms and suggestions that are meant to add value to our processes will be graciously embraced,” said the ZEC Chairperson.
Dr Ellen Sithole from Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) said her commission during the electoral process received a lot of cooperation from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and also said the media should to be factual and avoid hate speech when reporting.
“ZHRC received a lot of cooperation from ZRP and political parties. People should be aware of their rights. There is need for tolerance during elections. Media should give voice to divergent opinion and avoid hate speech,” she said.
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Commissioner Patience Chiradza said political parties promoted peaceful campaigns and that members should continue to promote peaceful dialogues.
“The peace pledge signed by political parties promoted peaceful campaigns. There is need for party members to conduct themselves peacefully and promote tolerance through a peaceful political dialogue. Diversity in politics is a reality which needs to be embraced at all levels. The electoral environment was peaceful due to the work by all stakeholders,” said Chiradza.
ZEC, by inviting all its stakeholders to its post electoral conference spells out its commitment to ensure that it remains independent, impartial, transparent and truthful. The positive contributions and expectations by ZEC stakeholders shall be used to improve the conduct of future elections.
