The postponement of the 2023 general elections will throw Zimbabwe into a mild constitutional crisis, as from August 26, 2023, there won’t be any legitimately elected office bearer in the presidency, parliament as well as local authorities.
This was said by the National Democracy Institute of International Affairs (NDI) Senior Programmes Officer Jack Zaba.
It comes after MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report saying it was flawed.
In his court application, Mwonzora argued that if elections are using the contentious ZEC delimitation report, the results can be easily challenged before a court of law and be invalidated.
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) recently said there is no legal basis that will allow the current government to legitimately remain in power post-26 August 2023.
Speaking to <a href="https://tellzim.com/ccc-laughs-off-gnu-election-postponement/">TellZim News</a>, Zaba said that whether or not the polls are to be postponed, remains the duty of the Constitutional Court to decide. He added: 
<blockquote>
Whether Mwonzora’s application will cause changes to election dates, remains the duty of the Concourt and the honourable judges there would help in interpreting this kind of law but you will find that this was the prayer filed by the applicant (Mwonzora) when he said ZEC must re-do the delimitation report and in so doing to give ZEC the time, elections will have to be postponed.
While this matter is really sub judice, you will find that there are a lot of aspects to be considered and one of those is what Veritas labelled that there is an absence of clearly laid out law or legal provisions providing for the Concourt to postpone the elections.
While the Concourt has the powers to condone certain actions, the absence of clearly laid out laws leaves us with questions on whether the court in its wisdom can postpone elections but one thing to consider is the imagination that in case of postponement, what effect will it have on other constitutionally-mandated organs of government.
I mean that from August 26, 2023, the tenure of both the president and parliament would have expired and the question is if the Concourt decides in its wisdom to extend or postpone the dates of the polls, will it equally have powers to extend the powers of the president and parliament?
The appeal by Senator Mwonzora does not appeal for extension of tenures for both president and parliament and as the law is structured currently, it does not allow for a vacuum after August 26 when the country may have no legitimately elected president or parliament and we still we will go for elections.
In any case who will proclaim the dates for the elections after we no longer have a legitimate president?
From a political opinion it may be difficult to postpone an election noting that we will be thrown into a situation where in trying to heal a possible election breach through the delimitation exercise, we will be plunged into another constitutional crisis.
The Concourt may decide to postpone the dates but from an electoral law perspective, it may be difficult to do as it leads the nation into a constitutional crisis.
The issues raised by Mwonzora have validity in terms of the constitution for example if one looks at the issue of 20 percent threshold which to me is clear ZEC ought to have followed what the constitution says, the debate over matrix.
Parliament raised the same issue and so did other key stakeholders and the appeal by Senator Mwonzora echoes that the calculation by ZEC has left us in a quandary because in some constituencies the variance of 20 percent is exceeded by far.
For example, look at Bulawayo Central with about 22 000 voters compared to Mount Pleasant with 33 000, its clearly beyond 20 percent, so if one reads and interprets the constitution, he/she can clearly see that there is a lot of sense in the appeal.
The Concourt may help validate that but basic calculations will tell you that the 20 percent applies across all constituencies not within a province as ZEC tried to convince us.
Also, the fact that some of his (Mwonzora) appeals are valid is the mere fact that the Concourt looked at the heads of arguments and gave them access to the constitutional court hearing and that may mean the appeal has constitutional validity.
The Concourt has in terms of the possible scenarios an array of decisions to make with the first being whether to order ZEC to re-do the report and they have to be convinced by the applicant that the report is ‘fatally unconstitutional’.
Either the court may order ZEC to sustain or re-do the report or in that case, that is what may trigger situations linked to the postponement of election dates.
If the court decides that ZEC presented a report that is not fatally defective, then the nation will proceed with elections and that will cause fewer problems in terms of election preparations being done by the electoral commission, political parties, Civic Society Organisations and even international election observer groups or even media groups as that will ensure smooth flow towards 2023 elections.
But in case a re-drawing of the boundaries is ordered, that will trigger a lot of issues.
Basically that throws Zimbabwe into a mild constitutional crisis in the sense that it won’t be a really radically changing the political landscape but will then leave us with a situation where we are left with the old boundaries and in that case the court will have to decide whether elections are to proceed under the old boundaries which may be problematic in the sense that most of the political parties have already selected candidates using the new boundaries and to go to the old ones (2007-08) which are not recognised by Section 161 (6) and the question will be which old boundaries will ZEC revert to.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

"Postponement Of 2023 Elections Will Plunge Zimbabwe Into A Constitutional Crisis"

Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent), claims the constituency delimitation exercise by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) reduced ZANU PF’s support base in Norton.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial Women’s League chairperson, Constance Shamu was elected the party’s candidate for Norton in upcoming elections during primary elections held last month.
Shamu will likely face Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Richard Tsvangirai.
Posting on Twitter recently, Presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, asserted that males who are contesting against aspiring female candidates must prepare for exit. Wrote Charamba:
<blockquote>
This year is the year of the girl child. It is our chance to equalise. As such if you are a man and you find yourself standing against a woman, you should begin packing your bag in earnest, @TembaMliswa be warned.
</blockquote>
In response, Mliswa claimed ZANU PF lost the little support it had in Norton due to the delimitation exercise. He said:
<blockquote>
Hijacked platitudes about the girl child, awkwardly pasted on my female senior, won’t redeem your standing as a party in Norton.
ZANU PF cannot win there especially now that the two rural wards in which it had a veneer of control are gone due to delimitation.
</blockquote>
Mliswa owes his incumbency to the MDC Alliance’s benevolence after the opposition party opted not to field a candidate in Norton in 2018.
The outspoken former ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial chairman defeated the ruling party’s candidate Christopher Mutsvangwa in 2018.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Delimitation Reduced ZANU PF's Support In Norton - Mliswa

MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora says he is confident that he will succeed in his Constitutional Court (ConCourt) challenge against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report.
Mwonzora is seeking an order declaring the gazetted delimitation report null and void and for it to be redone.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010129/delimitation-report-will-be-thrown-out-mwonzora">NewsDay</a>, Mwonzora said he also seeking the ConCourt to order President Emmerson Mnangagwa to proclaim election dates only after the delimitation report has been resubmitted. He said:
<blockquote>
The Constitutional Court last week gave us leave to direct access, meaning that we were given the right to appear before the full bench of the Constitutional Court in our challenge for the delimitation.
We have been able to do that and we are confident from the points we have raised we are going to succeed.
We are asking the ConCourt for three things; to declare the delimitation report as invalid, to order ZEC to redo the delimitation, and to order the President to proclaim election dates after the delimitation report has been resubmitted.
We are very confident about the points we have raised. Our application was judged not to be unnecessarily argumentative and we think we are going to succeed.
</blockquote>
If Mwonzora’s application succeeds, this would mean that elections will be held using the old boundaries, or worse still, it will result in the postponement of the general elections that are due between 26 July and 26 August 2023.
Analysts have criticised Mwonzora’s court application saying the timing and motive were suspicious.
Since Mwonzora became the leader of the MDC-T, the party has failed to win a single parliamentary or local authority seat in by-elections held since 2022.
Independent election watchdog, Election Resource Centre (ERC) recently said postponing general elections for whatever reason would be unconstitutional.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mwonzora Confident ConCourt Will Nullify ZEC's Delimitation Report

The Constitutional Court (ConCourt) full bench on Monday, 20 March 2023 dismissed an application by ZANU PF member Tonderai Chidawa seeking to nullify the delimitation exercise which mapped new boundaries of the wards, the House of Assembly and Senate to be used in the 2023 general elections.
Chidawa argued that the delimitation process, which was done by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was flawed, saying that it was done in violation of the Constitution.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba chaired the ConCourt proceedings. The bench said full reasons for the judgment will be released in due course. Reads the order:
<blockquote>
It is ordered that this application be and is hereby dismissed with no order as to costs.
The reasons of the full judgment will follow. No cause of action has been pleaded against the respondent.
</blockquote>
Speaking to journalists on Monday outside Mashonganyika Building which houses the Constitutional Court, Chidawa’s lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku, said:
<blockquote>
It’s a very disappointing judgment because the court has refused to have an opportunity to look at Section 119 (of the Constitution) and obligations of Parliament, thereof.
They will give their reasons later. I suspect the court does not want to interpret Section 119 to go as far as we had put it ourselves, which is accountability of State institutions such as independent commissions that Parliament is entitled to investigate how they operate in terms of the Constitution. 
Section 119 of the Constitution, gives Parliament the power to ensure that provisions of the Constitution are upheld and that the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level act constitutionally and in the national interest.
</blockquote>
In his application, Chidawa accused Parliament of failing to nullify the ZEC delimitation report and initiate investigations into it.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Constitutional Court Dismisses Delimitation Report Challenge

The MDC Alliance led by Douglas Mwonzora has rejected the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report that will be used for the 2023 general elections, saying it will challenge it by all means.
In a statement dated 08 March 2023, the MDC Alliance said the delimitation report is flawed and is therefore not possible to use to conduct credible elections. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
The MDC and all its Alliance partners on the 6th of March 2023 met at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai (MRT) House to reaffirm election preparedness and foster unity across the broader progressive democratic forces, as the country readies for harmonized elections to be held in the later part of the year.
The meeting totally rejected the ZEC final delimitation report because of its glaring fundamental flaws and resolved to challenge it by all means.
No credible election can ever be conducted under such grossly disenfranchising circumstances as demonstrated in the final delimitation report.
Despite naysayers, the MDC Alliance remains the most formidable, intact and focused alternative to the people’s hope of a truly democratic and all-inclusive leadership.
</blockquote>
On 20 February 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa gazetted the names and boundaries of the wards, the House of Assembly, and Senatorial constituencies that will be used in the forthcoming and any subsequent general election.
ZEC handed over the Delimitation Report to Mnangagwa on 17 February before it was gazetted on 20 February.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MDC Alliance Rejects ZEC's Final Delimitation Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to gazette the final delimitation report on 23 February, a report by <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/storm-over-delimitation-report/">The NewsHawks</a> claims.
Mnangagwa received the final delimitation report at State House from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba on 3 February.
Section 161 of the constitution says the report should be published within 14 days of its receipt from ZEC.
This means that the final delimitation report was supposed to be published on 17 February since the President received it on 3 February.
The NewsHawks quoted an insider as saying Mnangagwa did not gazette the report primarily for two reasons. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The President did not gazette the delimitation report because the government is not counting weekends and holidays, if any, in its 14 days deadline since 3 February.
So their deadline is 23 February. He will gazette it on 23 February, but this is unconstitutional.
The other reason Mnangagwa did not gazette the report is that they are still fiddling with it. They have been changing the report to suit their political agenda.
That is why they are claiming it is not final so that they can create room and justify changing it to accommodate their partisan issues.
There is political subterfuge underway on this issue.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa reportedly had a long meeting with ZEC officials at State House on Sunday, where he made his demands known and this resulted in further changes to the delimitation report.
The report further claims that the officials want to produce their own final report —different from ZEC’s — and then hand it over to Mnangagwa to gazette on 23 February.

A "Doctored" Delimitation Report To Be Gazetted On 23 February | Report

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has been urged to make it clear whether the delimitation report it submitted to President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently is final or not.
When ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba submitted the report to Mnangagwa at State House, she revealed that the document was the final delimitation report and said she expected the President to gazette the report within 14 days.
However, government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana, Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi said the report was not final.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200007404/clear-air-on-delimitation-report-zec-told">NewsDay</a> on Sunday requested ZEC to clear the air on whether the report was final or not, but the officials were reportedly evasive.
ZEC spokesperson Jasper Mangwana referred the question to Justice Chigumba.
The publication reported that several efforts to obtain a comment from Chigumba were in vain as her office repeatedly promised to give a response to no avail.
ZEC chief elections officer Uitloile Silaigwana requested the question in writing but had not responded by Sunday night.
Chief director for presidential communications, Anyway Mutambudzi said ZEC should respond on whether the report submitted to Mnangagwa was final or not.
Constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku said it is critical for ZEC to state its position on the report. Said Madhuku:
<blockquote>
Whether the report submitted is final or not should not be a private issue. Everyone at ZEC, from the messenger to the doorman, should know the exact position on that report.
This is a simple issue. That answer is a very critical one that must be given to the public so that they are informed of the correct position.
No one must put pressure on the President but on ZEC. It has the mandate to manage elections and not the President.
</blockquote>

ZEC Urged To State Exact Position On Delimitation Report

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has urged Members of Parliament to familiarise themselves with what the constitution says about the delimitation exercise and not be distracted by “sideshows”.
This comes after the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, and the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet George Charamba claimed that the report that was given to President Emmerson Mnangagwa by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was not final.
The issue was then raised in the National Assembly during a question and answer session by Glen Norah MP Wellington Chikombo, reported <a href="https://openparly.com/delimitation-report-speaker-tells-parliament-do-not-listen-to-nick-mangwana-and-george-charamba/">Open Parly</a>.
Chikombo said the statements that were uttered by Mangwana and Charamba have caused a lot of polarisation, disharmony, and anxiety across the country.
He demanded that the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi come through to elaborate to the House what the correct position is pertaining to the delimitation report process.
In response, Mudenda said”musateerere nyaya yemuma newspaper kana social media.” He added:
<blockquote>
Section 161 is very clear in terms of the processes. The report is tabled here in the House in Parliament, we scrutinize it and make our observations.
We then submit to the Head of State and Government in terms of Section 161. Within the specified 14 days, the Head of State must submit to ZEC, which was done.
After that ZEC will start on whatever contributions or analysis that were done by the relevant stakeholders.
They will look at them, make adjustments where it is possible and send those adjustments in a report to His Excellency.
Within 14 days, the President must gazette. What ZEC has said and done in that report is final.
So why do you want to listen to people who talk from the side shows… it does not matter, you must follow the Constitution.
… Do now worry about people who speak outside the Constitution.
</blockquote>

Delimitation Report: Do Not Listen To Mangwana And Charamba, Mudenda Tells MPs

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said that the Final Delimitation Report by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is not yet submitted.
Charamba told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/final-delimitation-report-not-yet-submitted">The Sunday Mail</a> that the President on Friday received an amended preliminary delimitation report from ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba which is expected to capture Parliamentary and Presidential recommendations and submissions. He said:
<blockquote>
Following the submission of the preliminary report by the ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission), that action put in train two sets of reactions: One from Parliament (of Zimbabwe) and another one from His Excellency, the President. Both these are by way of feedback to ZEC’s preliminary delimitation report.
Both sets of reactions were given to ZEC, and the first to do so was the Parliament of Zimbabwe, through the President, as required by the Constitution.
Then the President later sent his own response to the preliminary delimitation report.
Out of those two responses, ZEC then produced a draft preliminary report with the new amendments, which means amendments from Parliament and amendments noted by the President.
What the chairlady of ZEC (Justice Priscilla Chigumba) gave the President (on Friday) was the preliminary report, as amended by the reactions from both Parliament and from the President.
The President, in turn, will go through that preliminary report, as amended. Depending on how he views it, he will then give ZEC his final comment on that draft preliminary report, as amended.
Those would be his final comments on the matter, and ZEC will exercise its Constitutional right to either take them into account or to discard them because the Constitution gives ZEC the final say on the compilation of what then becomes the final delimitation report.
So, the final delimitation report is then what will be given to the President for gazetting.
</blockquote>

ZEC's Final Delimitation Report Not Yet Submitted - Charamba

The Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service, Nick Mangwana, said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has not yet submitted its final Delimitation Report to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This comes after reports claimed on Friday that ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba had submitted the Final Delimitation Report to the President at State House.
In a post on Twitter, Mangwana said the information is incorrect and that the nation will be informed when the report is handed over to Mnangagwa. <a href="https://twitter.com/nickmangwana/status/1621511408423960576">Said Mangwana</a>:
<blockquote>
We have noted a number of social media reports to the effect that the Final Delimitation Report has been presented to HE the President. The Final Report has NOT yet been presented to His Excellency.
When that happens the public will be informed. Thank you.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zec-hands-over-revised-report-to-president/">The Herald</a> reports that Chigumba was at State House on Friday morning to deliver to Mnangagwa the draft of the final report on the delimitation of constituency and ward boundaries which takes note of concerns that he and Parliament raised.
Chigumba said the draft report, which the President will now go through, could be gazetted in the next 14 days.
She was cited as saying she is confident that the President will approve the revised delimitation report as it captured the concerns that were raised by stakeholders including Parliament.

Mangwana Says ZEC's Draft Of The Final Delimitation Report Is Not Final

Seven Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioners, who refused to append their signatures to the preliminary delimitation report are reportedly being sidelined by ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba.
The seven commissioners are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rosewita_Marutare">Rosewita Murutare</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Shava">Kudzai Shava</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Janet_Mbetu_Nzvenga">Jane Mbetu-Nzvenga</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shepherd_Manhivi">Shepherd Manhivi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Abigail_Millicent_Mohadi_Ambrose">Abigail Mohadi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jasper_Mangwana">Jasper Mangwana</a>, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Catherine_Mpofu">Catherine Mpofu</a>.
They wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament accusing Chigumba and her deputy, Rodney Simukai Kiwa of not consulting them in crafting the report, resulting in them disowning the whole process.
NewsDay reported sources as saying the seven commissioners had hoped that Mnangagwa and Parliament would reject the report without making any recommendations.
However, both the President and Parliament made some recommendations. Said a NewsDay source:
<blockquote>
Chigumba is well-versed in the process since she is a judge. She was not disturbed by their move to discredit her.
Commissioners such as Manhivi, who is a registered legal practitioner with a law degree, and holds other two additional degrees in administration and international relations; and Mpofu, who is a language, communications specialist and peace practitioner and have experience working with the public, media and civil society from the legislative arm of the State, should be taking a leading role in the report, but have not been consulted.
It’s not happening, they are just redundant now.
</blockquote>
Mangwana said his hands were tied to comment on the issue, adding: “Please talk to ZEC chief executive officer Utloile Silaigwana.”
Silaigwana asked NewsDay to send questions in writing, but he had not responded to them by the time of going to print.
Chigumba is now said to be relying more on the ZEC secretariat to finish the recommendations within the timeframe provided by the Constitution. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006792/zec-chair-guns-for-rogue-commissioners">NewsDay</a>

Chigumba Sidelines Seven "Rogue" Commissioners

The Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) says the credibility of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report has been affected by apparent division within the commission itself.
Seven ZEC commissioners refused to append their signatures to the report after claiming that it violated the constitution.
The seven commissioners accused ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba of not consulting them.
POLAD’s governance and legislative agenda chairperson Lovemore Madhuku said there should be clear evidence that all commissioners are involved at every stage of the process. Said Madhuku:
<blockquote>
The preliminary delimitation report doesn’t pass the test set out in the constitution. POLAD regards it as a failure on the part of ZEC.
POLAD is concerned about the internal governance of ZEC. Under our constitution, ZEC is a corporate body consisting of nine commissioners.
The delimitation process cannot be the work of one or two commissioners; there must be clear evidence that all commissioners are involved at every stage of the process.
This is essential for the integrity and credibility of ZEC. POLAD would like to see public appearances of ZEC commissioners at all platforms where ZEC is either presenting to, or receiving from, the president reports relating to the delimitation process.
ZEC must use all the remaining stages to demonstrate in public the involvement of all commissioners.
</blockquote>
Chigumba is reportedly relying on the ZEC secretariat to finalise the delimitation report as the seven commissioners remain frozen out.
The seven commissioners are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rosewita_Marutare">Rosewita Murutare</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Shava">Kudzai Shava</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Janet_Mbetu_Nzvenga">Jane Mbetu-Nzvenga</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shepherd_Manhivi">Shepherd Manhivi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Abigail_Millicent_Mohadi_Ambrose">Abigail Mohadi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jasper_Mangwana">Jasper Mangwana</a>, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Catherine_Mpofu">Catherine Mpofu</a>. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200006756/mnangagwa-allies-turn-heat-on-zec">The Standard</a>

Divisions At ZEC Worry POLAD

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), says it will consider all the recommendations and concerns raised by Parliament before crafting the final delimitation report which should be ready by mid-February in line with Constitutional provisions.
Speaking at State House last week after receiving from President Emmerson Mnangagwa Parliament’s report on the preliminary delimitation report, Chigumba said:
<blockquote>
The President called us today for him to formally hand over the report approved by Parliament which was written by the ad-hoc committee which was formed by Parliament.
We have received the report and we have assured him that we will have a look at all of the recommendations and concerns which were raised by Parliament.
In terms of the way forward, we are still to receive corrections from the President himself which we anticipate he will do in the course of next week, and thereafter, we will gather as a commission and look at all of the recommendations holistically and look at those we can accede to and those we cannot accede to and we will compile our report for His Excellency where we will state our reasons for acceding to certain recommendations and perhaps not acceding to some.
</blockquote>
The Parliamentary ad-hoc committee made several recommendations that it wants ZEC to address. Some of the recommendations are:
<ul>
<li>ZEC should take into account the entire population as shown in the census, not just the adult population because wards serve other purposes apart from elections.</li>
<li>ZEC should revisit boundaries where it did not take into account community interests between voters.</li>
<li>ZEC should ensure that there is an equal number of voters in constituencies and wards, with variations limited to 20% as required by section 161 of the Constitution.</li>
<li>ZEC should apply consistent principles when transferring voters from constituencies and wards with large numbers of voters to those with fewer.</li>
</ul>

ZEC Says It Will Address MPs' Delimitation Concerns

Members of Parliament have demanded that the preliminary delimitation report by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should be returned to the electoral body for amendments.
The delimitation report has been analysed by Parliament’s ad-hoc committee and is now before the National Assembly where it is being further scrutinised and debated.
Some of the recommendations made by the Parliamentary ad-hoc committee are as follows:
<ul>
<li>ZEC should take into account the entire population as shown in the census, not just the adult population because wards serve other purposes apart from elections.</li>
<li>ZEC should revisit boundaries where it did not take into account community interests between voters.</li>
<li>ZEC should ensure that there is an equal number of voters in constituencies and wards, with variations limited to 20% as required by section 161 of the Constitution.</li>
<li>ZEC should apply consistent principles when transferring voters from constituencies and wards with large numbers of voters to those with fewer.</li>
</ul>
During the debate of the ZEC report in the National Assembly on Tuesday, 17 January, Binga North legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda (CCC) said:
<blockquote>
The report is not a good one as some of the observations that were made by the ad hoc committee included that ZEC did not consider the census report, which is able to indicate the national migration of citizens.
Therefore, in the absence of the census report, it is very difficult to validate some of the findings; for example, Bulawayo province.
When a census report is available, it becomes easy to compare the movement of citizens between areas.
</blockquote>
Harare East legislator Tendai Biti (CCC) said ZEC failed to produce a copy of the voters’ roll and to consult citizens during the delimitation exercise. He said:
<blockquote>
The test of whether ZEC did a good job was going to be measured on three issues, which include procedure when they were making the report, whether they followed the law, and whether the report is loyal to principles defined in section 161 of the Constitution.
The three scores show that ZEC failed to consider the final report of the census, and there is a co-relationship between the task of delimitation and the population.
When you look at the ZEC report, there is no marriage and there is no connection between the report and the population.
ZEC failed to produce a copy of the voters’ roll and we are just told without validation that the total number of voters is this and that, and yet the actual voters’ roll has not been given.
ZEC failed to consult citizens and it failed procedural issues.
</blockquote>
Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (ZANU PF) said “This time ZEC has failed its duties”.
Makoni North MP James Munetsi (ZANU PF), said ZEC ignored statistics and “did the report from what they know” and as a result, cannot be trusted to run an election.
After both the National Assembly and Senate debate the ZEC delimitation report, their findings and recommendations will be presented to President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006275/mps-poke-holes-on-delimitation-report">NewsDay</a>

MPs Condemn ZEC's Preliminary Delimitation Report

Former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioner Qhubani Moyo has said there is no law stating that the commissioners’ decisions should be unanimous.
Moyo made the remarks following reports that seven ZEC commissioners disowned a preliminary delimitation report tabled in Parliament on Friday last week saying it is flawed.
The commissioners allegedly wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa advising him to “put aside” the report and that elections should be held using old boundaries from the last delimitation exercise in 2008.
However, in his analysis posted on Facebook, Moyo said ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba has the power to override decisions by the other commissioners. Wrote Moyo:
<blockquote>
The independence of ZEC is well provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and no State organ should or can interfere with its processes and mandate.
In the case of delimitation processes Parliament can give an opinion that ZEC may choose to take on board or reject.
ZEC is not bound to follow such an opinion as it is not prescriptive, but persuasive except where it is a breach of the Constitution.
The chairperson of the commission, whose appointment process is different from the rest of the commissioners, is the official communicator for the commission and there are no provisions that decisions of the commission should be majoritarian.
In the event of unreasonable sustained debates over issues that are bound to create a national crisis, the chairperson and chief elections officer are eligible candidates to make pronouncements in the best national interest.
</blockquote>
Moyo made reference to the Kenyan elections held last year where some commissioners disowned presidential results.
However, the country’s Supreme Court upheld the results.
Moyo added that it was unacceptable for ZEC commissioners to dissociate themselves from the outcome of a process that they were part of. He said:
<blockquote>
The decision by the seven ZEC commissioners to deny paternity of a delimitation report they “fathered” is professionally unacceptable and not in the best interests of the nation as they should not reject the outcomes of a process they were part of.
</blockquote>
ZEC is expected to produce a final delimitation report by 28 January.

Former ZEC Commissioner Speaks Out On Delimitation Report

Professor Arthur Mutambara has said the preliminary delimitation report is invalid and unconstitutional, therefore, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should redo the whole exercise.
The preliminary delimitation report was tabled in Parliament last week on Friday by Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Ziyambi said the total number of registered voters was divided by 210 (the total number of constituencies) resulting in a national average of 27 640 voters per constituency.
He said they used the formula to determine voter population thresholds permissible in line with section 161(6) of the Constitution.
A percentage variance from the national average was then determined using a maximum registered voter threshold of 33 169 and a minimum of 22 112 voters.
Mutambara, who was Deputy Prime minister in the 2009-2013 Government of National Unity (GNU), argued that ZEC misinterpreted the Constitution. He said:
<blockquote>
The delimitation process has to be redone according to Section 161 (6) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The current delimitation report is invalid since it is in violation of the current Constitution of Zimbabwe’s Section 161 (6).
Of course, in carrying out the delimitation exercise, there must be no mischievous intention to disadvantage or advantage any political players. There must be safeguards against such shenanigans.
The current Constitution of Zimbabwe’s Section 161 (6) looks similar but is different from Section 61A(6) of the old Lancaster House Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Section 161 (6) stipulates that the difference between the allowable minimum and maximum voters in a constituency should be less than 20%, whereas Section 61A (6) (Lancaster Constitution) stipulates that the difference should be less than 40% (ie 20% + 20%)
It is important to note that the old Lancaster provision 61A (6) is better phrased than the current provision 161 (6).
Section 161 (6) should have explicitly said 10% above or below the average number of voters allowable in a constituency.
</blockquote>
Members of Parliament last week requested the voters’ roll to enable them to critique the delimitation report. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006008/dump-rework-delimitation-mutambara">NewsDay</a>

Delimitation Process Has To Be Redone - Mutambara

<h2>Full statement by the Election Resource Centre Zimbabwe (ERCZ) on the Preliminary Delimitation report.</h2>
<blockquote>
On 26th December 2022, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission took a significant step toward fair representation for all Zimbabwean voters by submitting the Preliminary Delimitation Report to the President of Zimbabwe.
The preliminary report presents the wards and constituencies as delimited by the Commission during the delimitation exercise.
While the report has generally resulted in a more equitable distribution of voters across the 210 constituencies in Zimbabwe, the ERC notes concerns raised by stakeholders on the report.
The main concern is the calculation of the allowable ‘variance’ for the number of registered voters per constituency and ward. 
The alleged erroneous methodology used to calculate the variance potentially discredits the delimitation process.
The underlying principle of the delimitation process is to ensure the equality of the vote. Hence, the ERC urges the Commission to address the concerns raised by stakeholders.
The failure to adequately address the issues raised may result in the final delimitation report being contested and thus affecting its use for the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
A return to the pre-existing 2007/2008 boundaries goes against the principles of the equality of the vote as the boundaries of the current constituencies and wards are grossly unequal.
Inclusivity and transparency in addressing the concerns raised will ensure the buy-in of all relevant stakeholders.
The Electoral Commission is expected to ensure maximum transparency of the procedures and their outcome.
This is vital to guarantee the credibility of the electoral process, secure the confidence of the voters and respect the aspirations of the Constitution.
Given the short time remaining for the delimitation report to be adopted for the 2023 Harmonised Election, ERC calls on all significant stakeholders, in particular the Electoral Commission, Parliament, and Political Parties, to step up, address the issues brought up, and carry out their mandates.
</blockquote>

ERCZ Statement On The Preliminary Delimitation Report | Full Text

The government on Friday tabled the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report before the National Assembly for consideration.
The report will determine the composition of the country’s wards and constituencies in the general elections to be held later this year.
Some legislators attended the sitting in person to discuss the tabled report while others attended the sitting virtually.
The report was tabled in the National Assembly by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. He said:
<blockquote>
I rise to move that whereas Section 161 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that once every ten years on a date or within a period fixed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission so as to fall as soon as possible after a population census, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must conduct a delimitation of electoral boundaries into which Zimbabwe is divided.
And Whereas ZEC commenced the delimitation process in June 2022 and submitted its preliminary report to His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa on 26th December, 2022; and whereas Section 161 (7) (c) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), states that the President must cause the preliminary report to be laid before Parliament within seven days, for Parliament consideration and referral of any issues to His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for ZEC’s consideration.
Now, therefore, I, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, do hereby lay the ZEC Preliminary report before the National Assembly for consideration.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-tables-delimitation-report-before-parliament/">Chronicle</a>

Ziyambi Tables Delimitation Report Before Parliament

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s Delimitation Report prepared ahead of general elections this year has been tabled in Parliament this Friday.
Here are some of the highlights from the report:
Bulawayo Province keeps its 12 constituencies with an average of 22 112 registered voters in each.
Seven constituencies were reconfigured and renamed as follows: Bulawayo North, Cowdry Park, Emakhandeni-Luveve, Entumbane-Njube, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Pelandaba-Tshabalala.
In Midlands Province, the Mberengwa South constituency was collapsed and three constituencies now remain i.e., Mberengwa East, Mberengwa West and Mberengwa Central.
The collapsed constituency was replaced by the creation of a new constituency, Mkoba North.
Matabeleland South Province had very low numbers of registered voters and as a result, it was allocated 12 constituencies after Bulilima East was collapsed to meet the minimum threshold.
In Masvingo Province, Zaka East and Zaka West were collapsed and reconfigured to form a new Zaka South Constituency.
One of the collapsed constituencies was replaced by the creation of a new Mwenezi North constituency, which means the Province retained its previously allocated 26 constituencies.
Gutu South constituency, which is currently held by ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi was collapsed and merged with other existing constituencies due to a low registered voter population that failed to meet the minimum threshold for a constituency.
The collapsed constituency was replaced by the creation of a new Chiredzi Central constituency.
In Mashonaland East, three constituencies namely Chikomba Central, Chikomba East, and Chikomba West were redrawn due to the low registered voter population.
As a result, Chikomba Central was collapsed and two Constituencies remain namely Chikomba East and Chikomba West.
In Manicaland Province, Musikavanhu and Chipinge West were merged to create Chipinge West constituency.
The collapsed constituency formed Chikanga constituency after Dangamvura-Chikanga was split due to the high population.
In Harare Province, an additional constituency was created in Epworth resulting in Epworth North and 
Epworth South Constituency.
Three constituencies were created from the Harare South constituency which are Churu, Harare South and Hunyani constituencies.

Highlights Of The ZEC Delimitation Report

Team Pachedu, a group of data analysts has urged Members of Parliament to reject the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report set to be tabled before Parliament on 6 January 2023.
Team Pachedu argued the report should be rejected because, in their view, it was based on a flawed voters’ roll. It said:
<blockquote>
The delimitation report is based on a shambolic voters roll that ZEC illegally refused to avail to stakeholders since May 30 when the delimitation roll closed.
The report is manifestly flawed and should be rejected in its entirety for this very reason.
</blockquote>
Team Pachedu has long been demanding a soft copy of the voters’ roll to be used in this year’s general elections from ZEC.
Some ZANU PF officials and groups affiliated with the ruling party have also criticised ZEC’s delimitation report, saying it is flawed.
NewsDay reported that ZEC chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana declined to comment on the matter and referred the publication to his deputy Catherine Mpofu and the commission’s spokesperson Jasper Mangwana.
Mpofu and Mangwana were reportedly unreachable for comment on Thursday.
In 2022, ZEC accused Team Pachedu of hacking its systems and reported the group to the police for allegedly violating data protection laws. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005790/reject-zec-report-team-pachedu">NewsDay</a>

Team Pachedu Urges MPs To Reject ZEC's Delimitation Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting that will see members debate the preliminary delimitation report handed over to the President recently.
Parliament is currently on a festive period break but members are set to conduct a virtual sitting to debate the preliminary delimitation report on 6 January 2023.
The report was submitted to Mnangagwa by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba on 26 December 2022.
In a message to lawmakers on Tuesday, Parliament said:
<blockquote>
In terms of Section 110(2) (c), His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting to conduct special business relating to the Preliminary Delimitation Report on Friday, 6th January 2023 at 9:00 am.
Due to accommodation challenges still being experienced in Harare, Members are advised to attend the Sitting virtually.
The login details will be shared in due course. A few Members who will attend physically will be advised by the Chief Whips.
</blockquote>
The report has not yet been seen by both legislators or the public <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zanu-pf-affiliated-groups-condemn-zec-preliminary-delimitation-report/">but some ZANU PF-affiliated organisations have expressed disgruntlement over the document.</a>

Parliament Breaks Recess To Debate ZEC Delimitation Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is likely to summon Parliament back from adjournment to deal with the urgent delimitation preliminary report, reported OpenParly.
Parliament adjourned after passing the 2023 national budget and is not due to return before the 24th of January 2023.
However, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mnangagwa-receives-zec-preliminary-delimitation-report/">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson (ZEC) Priscilla Chigumba on Monday submitted a copy of the Preliminary Delimitation Report</a> to Mnangagwa at State House.
Mnangagwa has 7 working days after receiving it within which to cause the tabling of the report to Parliament.
The 7 days end on the 6th of January 2023 and this means that he has to summon Parliament so that the report can be tabled.
After receiving the report from the President, Parliament is given 14 sitting days to study the report before submitting its opinions to the President.
If the results of the report are going to be used for the 2023 general elections, Section 161 of the constitution says the final report must have been gazetted at least six months before the polls.
A few months ago ZEC said general elections should be held between July and August 2023. | <a href="https://openparly.com/mnangagwa-likely-to-summon-parliament-back-to-deal-with-delimitation-report/">OpenParly</a>

Mnangagwa Likely To Summon Parliament Back For The Delimitation Report

A ruling ZANU PF party official has raised concern over a preliminary delimitation report by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
ZANU PF Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Daniel Garwe recently said ZEC conducted the delimitation process without consulting them. He said:
<blockquote>
We can’t glorify ZEC when it is changing boundaries like this. One who stays in ward 5 is now going to vote in Mutoko, you live in Hwedza and you now vote in Marondera Central. What kind of nonsense is that?
What they (ZEC) want is that where you used to walk five kilometres to vote you now walk 10km or 15km.
They didn’t consult us, they told us what they had done. That’s not consultation.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday last week, two pro-ZANU PF organisations, MenBelievED and the Association of Rural Districts Councils of Zimbabwe held separate Press conferences in Harare to criticise the ZEC report.
MenBelievED spokesperson Timothy Nyakudzuka said ZEC did not consult citizens during the delimitation exercise therefore the process was flawed.
The ZEC preliminary delimitation report shows that some rural districts have lost wards to peri-urban areas and growth points.
Traditionally, ZANU PF has won more votes in rural wards and constituencies while the opposition has been dominant in urban areas.
For instance, in Mashonaland East Province, Chikomba and Hwedza districts lost a constituency each while Seke had one added.
Another constituency, Ruwa, was also added to the province. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/editorials/article/200004808/has-zanu-pf-finally-smelt-the-coffee">NewsDay</a>

ZANU PF Official Criticises ZEC Preliminary Delimitation Report

Two ZANU PF-affiliated groups have condemned a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) preliminary delimitation report showing that some rural districts have lost wards to peri-urban areas and growth points.
Traditionally, ZANU PF has won more votes in rural wards and constituencies while the opposition has been dominant in urban areas.
For instance, in Mashonaland East Province, Chikomba and Hwedza districts lost a constituency each while Seke had one added.
Another constituency, Ruwa, was also added to the province.
On Tuesday, two pro-ZANU PF organisations, MenBelievED and the Association of Rural Districts Councils of Zimbabwe held separate Press conferences in Harare to criticise the ZEC report.
MenBelievED spokesperson Timothy Nyakudzuka said ZEC did not consult citizens during the delimitation exercise therefore the process was flawed. Said Nyakudzuka:
<blockquote>
As a community of interest in the delimitation of electoral boundaries, we believe the commission did not have sufficient time to execute a thorough and effective process, and it is consequently the reason why we are here today, to express our disgruntlement in ZEC’s failure to define a path for fair representation and contribution of the thoughts of the general public.
Without sufficient consultations with the people of this nation, this delimitation remains the work of the electoral commission, not our people and it should not be trusted as a path to build our country.
Let us be clear, any delimitation process not informed by the views of our people is a flawed process.
</blockquote>
The leader of the Association of Rural Districts Councils of Zimbabwe, which is made up of mainly ZANU PF-led rural councils, David Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
This delimitation process has resulted in disharmony among communities, undermined traditional values and reduced confidence in emerging societies.
</blockquote>
Our people should never have to choose between their nations and boundaries.
<blockquote>
Traditional leaders, business community, farmers, miners, in fact, most stakeholders were excluded from the consultative process and we hear that the commission has completed delimitation and made decisions on behalf of all these stakeholders in delimiting the nation’s boundaries.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004710/delimitation-report-rattles-zanu-pf">NewsDay</a>

ZANU PF Affiliated Groups Condemn ZEC Preliminary Delimitation Report

ZANU PF has expressed concern over the rapid growth of urban settlements fuelled partly by land barons who sell state land to desperate home seekers and pocket the proceeds.
The ruling party’s lands and resettlement department carried out a survey which established that there are slightly more than 256 new housing settlements in Harare metropolitan province.
What worries ZANU PF is that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation exercise could increase the number of constituencies in urban areas, which are perceived to be opposition strongholds.
There are reportedly four million new housing stands outside the original suburbs such as Highfield, Borrowdale, Mbare, Mufakose, Greendale, Mabvuku, Waterfalls, Kambuzuma and others. The ZANU PF central committee report reads:
<blockquote>
It was determined from the survey that the huge number of opposition members that bought stands in these new housing settlements, might end up making it possible for the creation of new urban constituencies, especially here in Metropolitan Harare province, where the opposition is strongest, resulting in losses in rural constituencies, where the (ZANU PF) party is strongest. That phenomenon might end up prejudicing the party in its strongholds.
</blockquote>
According to ZEC, Harare Metropolitan Province has the highest number of registered voters, while Matabeleland South has the least.
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust director Ignatius Sadziwa told NewsDay that it is inevitable that the number of constituencies in Harare will be increased. He said:
<blockquote>
Figures don’t lie. Harare will likely have four or five more constituencies using the benchmark figure of 26 000 voters per constituency.
</blockquote>
Moses Chibaya, a political commentator, said Epworth and Harare South should have more constituencies. He said:
<blockquote>
In Harare, we have areas like Epworth and Harare South which have tripled their voting population over the past decade. It is only logical to increase constituencies in those areas.
</blockquote>
According to the ZANU PF Central Committee report, Harare metropolitan had 952 520 registered voters followed by Midlands with 763 028 and Manicaland (738 627). | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002926/polls-land-grabs-haunt-zanu-pf">NewsDay</a>

Urban Sprawl Worries ZANU PF

Local electoral watchdogs have urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to conduct the delimitation exercise in a transparent manner.
Speaking to <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000305/watchdogs-demand-transparency-in-delimitation-exercise">NewsDay</a>, Election Resource Centre’s legal and advocacy officer Takunda Tsunga said ZEC should carry out delimitation independently and impartially. Said Tsunga:
<blockquote>
The failure to adhere to constitutional principles guiding delimitation when carrying out the process results in marginalised groups or vulnerable communities having less opportunity than other registered voters to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice.
ZEC as the administrative body mandated to carry out delimitation must conduct its duties independently and impartially.
</blockquote>
Tsunga said that if the delimitation process is not transparent, it may lead to disputes ahead of the 2023 elections. He said:
<blockquote>
Delimitation that is not transparent will be the foundation of potential disputes arising in 2023.
Delimitation must draw boundaries in a manner that ensures exclusivity and equality of vote.
While ZEC has taken some steps to carry out consultations, the consultations cannot be considered as ‘public’ as the public has not been given sufficient platforms to participate in the delimitation process.
The lack of public participation will negatively impact public confidence in the process.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust executive director Ignatious Sadziwa said:
<blockquote>
Delimitation of electoral boundaries must mirror voter registration and census statistics without favour.
However, we feel that more civic education must be done to conscientise the electorate to allay fears of mistrust and gerrymandering.
If the process is done unfairly, legal recourse will be required as the Electoral Court is tasked to settle such disputes.
</blockquote>
Section 161 of the Constitution says electoral boundaries must be delimited once every 10 years following a population census.
Zimbabwe conducted its latest census during the second quarter of 2022 and ZEC is expected to conduct a delimitation exercise before next year’s general elections.

Electoral Watchdogs Demand Transparency In Delimitation Exercise

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has set aside a total of US$83 million for the delimitation of constituencies ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.
ZEC spokesperson Jasper Mangwana on Friday told reporters that the funds will be used for the voters’ roll inspection and the delimitation exercise. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>
The budget that has been set aside for the delimitation is a total of US$83 million, US$45 million being for voter inspection and US$38 million for the delimitation exercise.
The budget will cater for the printing of the voters’ rolls, vehicle hire, stakeholder engagement, material acquisition, voter education and publicity and personnel welfare.
We want to appreciate and thank the treasury for its support and commitment to the electoral processes in this country.
</blockquote>
Delimitation is the act of dividing the country into constituencies and wards for the purposes of elections.
It involves coming up with a minimum threshold of registered voters for each of the country’s 210 national assembly constituencies.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zec-us83-million-set-aside-for-delimitation-exercises-as-96-000-struck-off-voters-roll/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Treasury Grants ZEC US$83 Million For Delimitation, Voters’ Roll Inspection

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba has dismissed gerrymandering concerns ahead of the delimitation exercise to be done before the 2023 elections.
Gerrymandering is when the ruling political party tries to change the boundaries of constituencies or wards to create a result that helps them or hurts the opposition.
Addressing the media at State House during Thursday’s swearing-in of new ZEC commissioners, Chigumba said:
<blockquote>
Delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and wards is determined by the number of registered voters in an area and is conducted just after the population and housing census.
This exercise is transparent. It is a scientific method that uses registered voters and the number of constituencies.
Each constituency and province is supposed to have equal numbers of registered voters.
… if there is anyone alleging that votes can be stolen through this exercise, it is a blatant lie and a lack of knowledge.
</blockquote>
Last week ZANU PF Politburo member Ziyambi Ziyambi told a Mashonaland West provincial meeting that the ruling party would lead the delimitation exercise. He was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
We, as the governing party, will lead the delimitation process.
You cannot say that you are ruling and do things that result in you getting out of power. There is no political party that boots itself out of power.
As ZANU PF, we must do things that we are all agreeable to as we come up with electoral boundaries.
We will have another meeting to discuss how the delimitation process is going to be conducted.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zec-boss-rules-out-delimitation-rigging-after-minister-says-zanu-pf-to-lead-process/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

ZEC Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba Rules Out Gerrymandering

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said that ZANU PF will lead the delimitation process to demarcate constituency boundaries for the upcoming 2023 harmonised elections.
Ziyambi’s remarks may be construed by critics of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as confirmation that the electoral body doesn’t have full control over electoral processes.
According to the electoral law, ZEC is solely responsible for conducting the delimitation exercise to ensure free and fair elections.
Addressing ZANU PF Mashonaland West delegates attending a provincial coordinating committee (PCC) meeting held at Mazvikadei Resort over the weekend, Ziyambi said:
<blockquote>
We, as the governing party, will lead the delimitation process.
You cannot say that you are ruling and do things that result in you getting out of power.
There is no political party that boots itself out of power.
As ZANU PF, we must do things that we are all agreeable to as we come up with electoral boundaries.
We will have another meeting to discuss how the delimitation process is going to be conducted.
</blockquote>
Delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and wards is determined by the number of registered voters in an area. The exercise is done soon after the population and housing census.
Ziyambi also said delimitation consultations within ZANU PF will start soon in Mashonaland West, before rolling out to the other nine provinces.
The Zvimba West legislator hinted that the province, currently with 22 parliamentary seats, could have two or three additional seats to be created by the upcoming delimitation exercise.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ziyambi-utterances-confirm-zanu-pf-fixing-constituency-boundaries-to-rig-2023-elections/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Minister Says ZANU PF To Lead Delimitation Of Electoral Boundaries

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says consultations for the delimitation of electoral boundaries are currently underway with the process itself [delimitation] set to commence after the release of the national census final report.
ZEC says it has received numerous requests for the outcome of the delimitation exercise when the process has not yet started.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is undertaking consultations on delimitation on behalf of ZEC.
ZEC has the sole mandate to draw up the boundaries of constituencies, wards and other electoral processes.
ZEC Mashonaland West Provincial Elections Officer, Austin Ndlovu said the boundary delimitation exercise will only be carried out after the release of the national census final report.
Ndlovu was speaking during a delimitation consultation meeting attended by the Mashonaland West Provincial Development Committee in Chinhoyi on Friday, 24 June. He said:
<blockquote>
At the moment, there is no delimitation taking place, even the consultations that were taking place on the ground as this exercise was being conducted they are in essence not delimitation, but they are activities that build up to the delimitation because it’s a prerogative of the local government to give ZEC clearly defined administrative boundaries and therefore please let’s not mistake that exercise as delimitation.
</blockquote>
Mashonaland West Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Josphat Jaji said:
<blockquote>
The responsibility rests with ZEC, but what affects delimitation are the local government administrative boundaries of districts and provinces so we want to ensure that if there are any proposals brought forward to enable when delimitation starts, so we anticipate Harare wanting to extend to our province, as you can see what is happening within Zvimba district Harare is expanding so we expect a proposal from Harare.
</blockquote>
The delimitation exercise is done after every ten years, after the national population and housing census. Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold general elections in 2023.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zec-clears-air-on-delimitation/">ZBC News</a></h4>

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