Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network says the electoral disputes have forced the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to delay printing of ballot papers.
In its executive summary in pre-election update number three, ZESN said there was unprecedented plethora of court challenges.
“With a less than a month to go before the harmonised elections pencilled for 23 August 2023, July and part of August has been characterized by an unprecedented plethora of Court challenges ranging from Nomination disputes, eligibility to contest the elections, fielding of double and triple candidates.
“The effect of these electoral disputes forced the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to delay printing of the ballot papers,” ZESN said.
“While, the Supreme Court made a determination to uphold the High Court ruling on nullification of self-exiled former ZANU-PF Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections; a fresh Constitutional Court lawsuit was filed by Kasukuwere’s campaign chairperson, Jim Kunaka challenging the High Court’s decision.”
The network also noted that all political parties were conducting door to door campaigns, social media promotions, star rallies, political gatherings, distributing posters and flyers as well as promotional campaign materials in the form of T-shirts, wrappers and caps among others.
“Campaigns are in full swing as political parties prepare for 23 August harmonised elections where the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa, the main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, the only female candidate Elisabeth Valerio and other nine contestants will contest in the presidential race.
“Incumbent Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) President Emmerson Mnangagwa hopes to secure a second term in office, while Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Nelson Chamisa and nine others aspire to clinch the title of Zimbabwe’s Head of State and Government,” ZESN said.
ZESN said it has been calling for the extension of the postal vote and the institution of other types of special voting to other groups of people like health personnel on duty on Election Day, hospitalised people and certain categories of prisoners among others.
“Postal voting was conducted as provided for in Section 72 of the Electoral Act and the process was supposed to end on the 5 July 2023. Those who qualify for postal voting are the electoral officers, diplomatic and consular officials and members of the disciplined forces.
“On 3 August 2023, Statutory Instrument 140A of 2023 cited as Electoral (Alteration of Period) Regulations, 2023 was gazetted which extends the deadline for postal voting to 20 August 2023 at 12 pm.
“This means that ZEC will accept postal votes until just three (3) days before 23 August polls, departing from the traditional fourteen (14) days before election.
“In Bulawayo, the District Elections Officer indicated that they will be receiving postal votes with
possible plans of holding an observer briefing and training of polling officials and accreditation of observers first week of July. In Matabeleland North, ZEC recruited and deployed polling officers at district level. It received names of polling officials who have been deployed far away from polling station where they are registered to vote so as to make arrangements for postal voting.”
Meanwhile, the ZEC is finalizing the processing of the postal voting for the Zimbabwe’s uniformed forces ahead of the August 23 elections.
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