Staff Reporters

Chief Justice, Luke Malaba has made it clear that elections are a necessity in any country, as they promote democracy and good governance.

He said this while addressing the Africa Electoral Justice Network 3rd Annual Meeting at the Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls. 

In his presentation on Constitutionalism, Good Governance and Electoral Justice, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said that there should be a standard of supremacy in dealing with constitutionalism.

“As Africans we should submit to the principles of the Charter on Elections and Democracy as a means to respect the supremacy of elections and democracy,” he said.

He further added that as Africans we should all submit to the supremacy of the constitution regardless of one`s position in society.

Chief Justice Malaba further articulated that, in any elections there is need for the contestants to expect either a win or a loss, as a sure way of bringing finality to electoral results.

He added that elections sometimes bring disputes because contestants approach elections with preconceived notions. He explained that in the event that contestants are met with different results electoral disputes are likely to erupt.

Chief Justice Malaba implored political parties to approach elections with an open mind knowing that anything can happen.

In order to prevent electoral disputes, Chief Justice Malaba asked the delegates to make it their responsibility to inform and engage individuals running for office so that they are ready to accept any outcome. He went on to say that anyone who is unhappy with the outcome of any election should take their concerns to the courts in order to have them settled. Chief Justice Malaba stated that since courts are available to anyone, they can be used to settle electoral violence.

He concluded by stating that as elections are required in every nation, they should be held when due to promote democracy.