Mangwana Proposes Inviting External Observers As ZEC Prepares For 2023 Elections
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commissioner has started its preparations for the 2023 harmonised elections. The Commission has convened a national multi-stakeholder conference aimed at reviewing 2018 general polls.
ZEC also engaged stakeholders within Zimbabwe, SADC and Nigeria recently to brainstorm how to conduct a flawless 2023 harmonised elections.
The recent multi-stakeholder meeting was attended by political parties, civil society organisations, women organisations, law enforcement agencies, legal experts, representatives of disabled persons, political scientists, media representatives and traditional leaders among others.
A number of issues were discussed at the event.
Speaking at the event, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana called for external independent bodies to superintend intra-party elections. He said:
I think it is an issue we will discuss during national inter-party dialogue. A lot of undemocratic processes are taking place within political parties and we do not talk about it. In other countries they allow the national electoral body to manage internal party process. I am speaking as an individual. I believe personally that let us also subject our internal party processes to scrutiny by independent bodies.
Representatives of visually impaired people proposed the use of braille material in the coming elections. However, Zec commissioner, Mrs Sibongile Ndlovu called for further interrogation to the braille proposal saying it had the possible effect of undermining other rights.
The chairperson of ZEC, Justice Priscilla Chigumba assured members that their contributions shall be treated with seriousness they deserved.
The MDC-A was however not represented despite its secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora scheduled to present at the event.
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