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The Zimbabwe Republic Police has provided an update regarding the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">arrest of individuals</a> affiliated with the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), Election Resource Centre (ERC), and Team Pachedu. They were detained on charges of purportedly disrupting the electoral process. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police spokesperson, stated that the State will not contest their bail applications. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>ARREST OF 36 SUSPECTS AND RECOVERY OF ICT EQUIPMENT INTENDED TO BE USED TO ILLEGALLY ANNOUNCE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTION RESULTS</h3>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police, on 23rd August 2023, arrested 36 suspects following a raid at various safe houses and hotel rooms set up by certain individuals and civic organisations, including the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), Election Resource Centre(ERC) and Team Pachedu, for subversive intentions.
The arrest followed a tip-off that the said persons had set up bases and gathered equipment to use for tabulating voting statistics with the intention of unlawfully announcing election results and transmitting same to foreign country for unknown reasons. The coordinators of the information were hiding at Holiday Inn Hotel in Harare and were in the process of feeding information to a location in The Grange, Harare, where the Presidential Election results were to be have been announced using a VPN System through a so-called “Apollo” concept. The results were to be announced on 24th August 2023 at the instigation of Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC). This action was meant to preempt Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), which is the sole constitutionally obligated board to announce election results.
The arrested persons are currently in Police custody. As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we do not regret arresting people who engage in criminal and unlawful activities but in the spirit of promoting national harmony during our election season, the State will not oppose bail.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Police Give Update On Arrested ZESN, ERC, Team Pachedu Members

The Election Resource Centre (ERC), an independent election watchdog, has denied claims made by Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, that it received foreign funding from the West to train election agents. The ERC stated that training election agents was not part of its mandate.
ZANU PF’s finance boss, Patrick Chinamasa, claimed that ERC and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) had received foreign funding to train election agents, allegedly provided by the United Kingdom, France, Australia, USAID, Sweden, the United States embassy in Harare, US-based National Democratic Institute and the European Union.
The ERC refuted these claims, stating that it was neither aware of the donation nor part of such a programme as alleged by ZANU PF. Said the election watchdog in a statement:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, this statement from Zanu PF is not true with regards to ERC. As ERC we, therefore, put it on record that we are neither aware of the donation nor are we part of such a programme as alleged by Zanu PF.
As a law-abiding entity, we continue striving for electoral excellence, our mission as ERC is to provide credible information, strategic services and deliberative platforms that aim to improve the quality of democracy and elections at all tiers of Zimbabwean society and Africa at large.
The ERC is a think-tank and advocacy organisation on electoral and democracy issues in Africa, having been formed following the need to deepen electoral research work in Africa that would inform effective citizen participation as well as strengthen policy engagement towards improvement of the quality of electoral and democratic practices.
</blockquote>
ZESN, which also dismissed the claims made by ZANU PF, reiterated that it does not finance or train any political party agents as this is not part of its core business and mandate. ZESN restated that it does not provide funding or training for political party agents and does not endorse any political party or candidate in Zimbabwe. It said its core business and mandate is to promote democratic elections in Zimbabwe through domestic oversight on all electoral processes including voter registration, nomination, pre- and post-electoral environment, and polling day processes, among others. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ERC Denies ZANU PF's Foreign Funding Claim

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it will not comment on the request for the electronic voters roll until the courts have made a ruling on the matter.
Following Team Pachedu’s accusations of manipulation, civic society organisations, as well as political parties, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/delimitation-process-election-watchdog-bemoans-inaccessibility-of-the-voters-roll/">have requested access to the computerized voters’ roll.</a>
However, in a Twitter post, the commission said:
<blockquote>
The issue concerning availing the electronic voters roll to those who request it is before the courts or sub-judice hence the commission will not comment on that matter until there is a court determination’
</blockquote>
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Election_Resource_Centre">Election Resource Centre (ERC)</a>, a local watchdog, is among the organisations that tried in vain to get a copy of the voters’ roll. 
ERC said without the voters’ roll, it will be impossible to know if the boundaries created by the delimitation process have followed the law and if indeed votes are equal.
In its defence, ZEC says it is protecting people’s personal information from being abused online.
According to election experts, access to voters’ rolls is important for the holding of credible, free, and fair elections as it enables stakeholders to verify the information.
ZEC <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zec-demands-us187-000-from-watchdog-for-the-release-of-the-voters-roll/">demanded US$187 238 from ERC</a> for a hard copy of the voters’ roll.
The commission cited provisions of Statutory Instrument 145 of 2022 Electoral (Voter Registration) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (No.1), which imposes US$1 per page of the roll as the unit price.
However, ZEC spokeswoman commissioner Jasper Mangwana stated that a less expensive electronic format would be accessible “soon,” without providing any precise release dates. The statement was made in November 2022.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Voters' Roll: ZEC Says It Won't Comment On The Matter

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Election_Resource_Centre">Election Resource Centre (ERC)</a>, a local watchdog, has bemoaned the inaccessibility of the electronic voters’ roll saying it will be difficult to know if the delimitation process is being done the right way.
ERC says the US$1 per page translating to US$187 000 for the entire hard copy of the voters’ roll is out of reach for many hence the need for the commission to avail the electronic copy which is pegged at US$200.
In an interview with <a href="https://openparly.com/inaccessible-voters-roll-compromises-the-delimitation-process-erc/">Open Parly</a> the ERC Executive director Babra Ontibile Bhebe said ZEC told them that they are open to dialogue but encouraged them to be patient. Bhebhe said:
<blockquote>
The Commission stated that it is not averse to engaging or dialoguing with the ERC but requested the organization to be patient until the completion of the delimitation of electoral boundaries exercises due year-end.
… people cannot have access to the voters roll to be used for the delimitation of constituencies, they lack the ability to participate meaningfully in the process and hold the Commission to account for whatever outcomes of that process.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Without a national voters roll publicly accessible at reasonable cost it is impossible to know if the boundaries created by the process have followed the law and if indeed votes are equal.
</blockquote>
Opposition parties and Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) are on record demanding for an auditable voters’ roll maintaining that access to it would enhance the credibility of the election process.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Delimitation Process: Election Watchdog Bemoans Inaccessibility Of The Voters' Roll

National Housing and Social Amenities minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Daniel_Garwe">Daniel Garwe</a> has said courts, the military, police and even health workers belong to the ruling ZANU PF.
Addressing party supporters in Seke on Tuesday, Garwe who doubles as ZANU PF Mashonaland East provincial chairperson said the ruling party will do anything to ensure President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-election next year, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chikurubi-interview-sikhala-says-ready-to-stay-in-prison-as-long-it-takes-i-am-comfortable-with-them-keeping-me-here/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
His address was captured on video and the clip has gone viral. Garwe said:
<blockquote>
Courts, military and police belong to ZANU PF; even health workers belong to ZANU PF. Actually, we own almost everything.
President [Emmerson] Mnangagwa said the country does not tolerate violence but if they (opposition) provoke us, definitely we are going to fight them and deal with them accordingly.
We are preparing a whip for all those who insult Mnangagwa as we are preparing for our 2023 elections. Don’t keep quiet if someone insults your President, we have to fight back and defend him.
</blockquote>
His remarks come against the backdrop of a surge in cases of intra-party and interparty violence raising fears that the harmonised elections scheduled for 2023 will likely be bloody. 
Two months ago, former State Security minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Owen_Ncube">Owen Ncube</a> made similar threats at a ZANU PF campaign rally in Mberengwa, Midlands province saying “<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/owen-ncube-threatens-worse-than-2008-political-violence-against-sell-outs/">2023 will be worse than 2008.”</a>
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust (ZEAT) executive director Ignatious Sadziwa said Garwe must be must censored over the inflammatory remarks to avoid “another” disputed election. 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Election_Resource_Centre">Election Resource Centre (ERC)</a> director Barbra Bhebe said Section 67 of the Constitution guarantees the right to campaign freely and peacefully.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF information director <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tafadzwa_Mugwadi">Tafadzwa Mugwadi</a> accused opposition parties and CSOs of cooking up stories on political violence “to solicit undeserved sympathies.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Courts, Military And Police Belong To ZANU PF, We Won Almost Everything" - Minister

Former Primary and Secondary Education Minister, David Coltart, has said it is unconstitutional for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to demand US$187 000 for a copy of the voters’ role.
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) Thursday said they received the US$187 000 invoice after requesting a quotation from the electoral management body. ERC director Babra Bhebe told stakeholders at a delimitation conference in Bulawayo:
<blockquote>
As ERC we submitted a request to Zec to have access to the voters roll that it is going to use for the delimitation process. We received a response that it can only give us the hard copy. We then went ahead and requested an invoice and we got a quotation of above US$187 00 for us to be able to access the voters roll.
</blockquote>
Coltart, a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) said ZEC’s move was in violation of the constitution. Said the law expert:
<blockquote>
So @ZECzim says it will charge US$187,000 to provide a copy of the voters roll. Not only is this illegal it also breaches section 68 of the Constitution. It is clearly designed to prevent opposition parties from being able to audit a fraudulent voters roll. #Zimbabwe
And if the US$187,000 is paid only a paper copy will be provided so it will still be difficult to audit. There is no reason why an electronic copy cannot be provided, it is simply ridiculous to say that it will be manipulated. The original copy stays intact with @ZECzim.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Jealousy Mawarire, a founding member and current spokesperson for the National Patriotic Front says ZEC is not the problem. He said: 
<blockquote>
If u remove emotions, u will focus on where the problem is, the law, SI145 of 2022, which demands ZEC charges $1 a page for a printed copy of the voters roll,not the independent commission enforcing the law. Say ZEC charged anyone $0.10 when the law says $1, will that be legal?
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZEC's Demand For US$187K For A Copy Of The Voters' Roll Unconstitutional - Coltart

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)</a> has demanded US$187 000 from a local independent election watchdog for the release of a hard copy of the voters’ roll.
Election Resource Centre (ERC) director Babra Bhebe told stakeholders at a delimitation conference in Bulawayo yesterday that they received the invoice after requesting a quotation from the electoral management body, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003013/copy-of-voters-roll-costs-us187k-zec">NewsDay</a> reported. Bhebe said:
<blockquote>
As ERC we submitted a request to Zec to have access to the voters roll that it is going to use for the delimitation process. We received a response that it can only give us the hard copy. We then went ahead and requested an invoice and we got a quotation of above US$187 00 for us to be able to access the voters roll.
We think that this is way too much. Given the cost of the hard copy, it will be difficult for any stakeholder to acquire it and this puts into question whether Zec is willing to have anyone scrutinise the voters’ roll.
</blockquote>
ZAPU election secretary Kevin Mapanda said the fee was too high for any political party adding, “The problem is that ZEC only engages the ruling Zanu PF party and this delimitation process is going to cause confusion.”
MDC Alliance national deputy organising secretary Mukombwe Dube echoed Mapanda’s remarks saying ZEC’s fees were meant to deprive other political parties of access to the voters’ roll.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) national deputy secretary for elections Ellen Shiriyedenga also said ZEC should have consulted before gazetting the fees.  
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa said only a credible, auditable and affordable voters roll would lead to a free and fair election. He posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>
A credible voters’ roll is non-negotiable. By all means necessary, getting a verified, certified and audited copy of the voters’ roll is a must. By law, the voters’ roll is biometric. Levying a cost to limit access is unacceptable. It’s a fight for a credible election.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF director of commissariat, mobilisation and elections Kizito Kuchekwa said they respected the independence of ZEC despite having their own concerns against the electoral management body.
ZEC spokesperson commissioner Jasper Mangwana, however, said a cheaper electronic format would be available “soon”.
Mangwana said there were currently no legal provisions on how the independent audit demanded by CCC could be done, he told NewsDay.
He added that the “alleged facts around rigging are impossible.”
ZEC chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana said the prices are not set by ZEC, “but they are gazetted by the laws of Zimbabwe. Zec simply follows the rules.”
This comes as data analysts are calling for the inspection of the voters’ roll amid reports that there are anomalies that can affect the credibility of the 2023 elections.
Election stakeholders including Team Pachedu claim that ZEC intends to manipulate election processes in favour of the ruling ZANU PF.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZEC Demands US$187 000 From Watchdog For The Release Of The Voters' Roll

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has said violence and intimidation which were recorded prior to 22 October 2022 by-elections in some parts of Zimbabwe is a shadow of what’s coming in 2023. In a statement sent to Pindula News, ERC said urged relevant authorities to implement requisite electoral reforms warning that the 2023 Harmonised elections will result in yet another disputed election, marred with violence, if the reforms are not implemented in toto. Read the statement: 
<blockquote>
<h2>VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION: FATE FOR ZIMBABWEANS AHEAD OF THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS</h2>
On 22 October 2022, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) deployed observers in three (3) out of six (6) by-election sites, namely Guruve RDC Ward 4, Mutare Municipality Ward 4 and Insiza RDC Ward 4 to observe by-elections.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) had scheduled by-elections for 22 October 2022 to fill vacancies arising in Buhera RDC Ward 24; Guruve RDC Ward 4; Insiza RDC Ward 4; Matobo RDC Ward 2; Takawira (RDC) Ward 6 and Mutare Municipality Ward 18, following the death of incumbent councillors in those respective areas.
The ERC notes that the by-election sites were marred with pre-election violence and intimidation which extended to the election day. Cases of violence were noted in Insiza and Matobo. Highlighting the violence was the attack on Member of Parliament Jasmine Toffa (CCC) and campaign team by alleged ZANU PF activists on 17 October 2022 in the Insiza RDC ahead of the by-election. The ERC also received a report of an attack by suspected ZANU PF youths on Mutare Municipality Ward 18 candidate Nyasha Machekeche (NCA) on 21 October 2022 ahead of the Mutare Ward 18 by-election.
The ERC noted that the sites of the by-elections were also plagued by potential corruption, especially from the ruling party because they were handing out fertiliser in Guruve RDC days before the by-election. ERC also observed that on election day, ZANU PF set up “information desks” outside polling stations in Guruve and Insiza collecting information from prospective voters , potentially intimidating and unduly
influencing the electorate.
While polling was largely peaceful, the ERC continues to be concerned that the political environment is not conducive for a free and fair election in 2023. Therefore, the ERC emphasizes the need for the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to take tangible steps in holding perpetrators to account. 
The ERC notes that unless electoral reforms are implemented, the 2023 Harmonised elections will result in yet another disputed election, marred with violence. The ERC also highlights the piecemeal principles that the Cabinet approved, although they fall short of the required level of reforms for a free, fair, and credible election.
<h2>Less than a year before the 2023 elections, the ERC recommends the following:</h2>
To the Government of Zimbabwe:
– Ensure that government inputs are not used politically as campaigning tools during elections.
– Government must take tangible action against the manifestation of violence and intimidation in the pre-election, election and post-election period. 
To Parliament of Zimbabwe:
– Wide consultation of election stakeholders on reforms and the immediate implementation before the 2023 Harmonised elections.
To the citizens of Zimbabwe:
– To practise political and electoral tolerance.
To the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission:
– To receive and consider complaints from the public and to take such action in regard to the complaints.
To the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission:
– To fully investigate the violence targeting Honourable Jasmine Toffa ahead of the 22 October
– Engage key players in elections including political party leaders, candidates, traditional leaders and the ZRP in order to facilitate peaceful elections in Zimbabwe. 
To political parties:
– To practise political and electoral tolerance and refrain from violence.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

2023 Harmonised Election: Watchdog Warns Of Another Disputed Election

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Election_Resource_Centre">Election Resource Centre (ERC)</a> has said the High Court’s decision to sanction to the suspension of elections done by the Government of Zimbabwe under the guise of fighting COVID-19 casts doubt on the independence of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)</a>. In a statement seen by Pindula News, ERC and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Women%27s_Academy_for_Leadership_and_Political_Excellence_(WALPE)">Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE)</a> also opposed “government interference in the administration of elections.” Reads the statement dated 13 July 2022:
<blockquote>
<h2>STATEMENT ON THE HIGH COURT’S DECISION TO DISMISS BY-ELECTION CHALLENGE</h2>
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) and Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) have reacted to the judgement of the High Court of Zimbabwe giving judicial sanction to the suspension of elections done by the Government of Zimbabwe under the guise of fighting COVID-19 as a lost opportunity by the Courts to reinforce the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to the separation of powers.
The independence of ZEC is a foundational principle to Zimbabwe’s democracy, and the High Court’s decision to sanction the suspension of elections casts doubt on the independence of the Commission in terms of election administration and certainty in the electoral calendar and its abilities to conduct and manage elections as provided for in the country’s constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.
The judgement delivers a blow to the constitutional independence of the Electoral Commission and potentially exposes the Commission to continued infringement of its independence and will embolden the Executive and Governmental branches to override the constitutional mandate of ZEC and unilaterally suspend elections under the guise of a health emergency.
The ERC and WALPE have long opposed government interference in the administration of elections. The High Court’s decision in Ellah Tayengwa &amp; Ors v Zimbabwe Electoral Commission &amp; Ors 1 potentially exposes ZEC to interference. Certainty of process and timelines and uncertainty of outcomes should be the principle that drives government policy. This decision reinforces the suspicion that ZEC’s independence is compromised and casts significant doubt on the certainty of electoral timelines prescribed by the Constitution. ERC and WALPE are concerned that this decision will impact on the future independence of ZEC and the certainty of electoral timelines as outlined in the Constitution. The interpretation by the Court unfortunately opens up the Electoral Commission to usurpation of its administrative functions and independence in terms of section 239 of the Constitution.
The overturning of the Electoral Commission’s decision to hold by-elections in December 2020 by the Minister of Health through SI 225A of 2020 raised a number of concerns chief among them the independence of the Electoral Commission and prescribed timelines to hold elections which are integral to representative democracy. The particular nature of the Electoral Commissions’ duties in terms of preserving democratic principles means that there should be safeguards built to protect the independence of the Commission. 
While the Honourable Judge interprets that SI 225A/2020 was necessary in the interests of public safety and public health, the interpretation, unfortunately, fails to answer and protect the independence of the Electoral Commission in terms of election administration in line with sections 158 of the Constitution and sections 39 and 121A of the Electoral Act. Section 235 of the Constitution guarantees that in their operations, independent Commissions are not subject to the direction or control of anyone and no person may interfere with the functioning of the independent Commissions. In pursuit of guaranteeing the credibility and integrity of electoral processes, the independence of the Electoral Commission and electoral integrity must be preserved. Lack of constitutionalism in elections can severely destabilise the relationships between key electoral actors and thus undermine the value of elections to democratic governance.
We call upon all electoral stakeholders to take all necessary measures to mitigate the potential consequences of the High Court’s decision. What has happened is a setback to the credibility and independence of the Commission. The excessive use of executive power to restrict the Electoral Commissions’ independence rather than to expand it and the failure by the Court to correct the anomaly, signals a deeply troubling erosion of ZEC’s democratic values and principles.
Given the potential severely negative consequences of the High Court’s decision, it is necessary that the matter is appealed at a higher court. If not successfully challenged, the Government’s interference in elections, their management and administration could have unforeseen results as the country gears up for the 2023 elections. The independence of ZEC must be upheld at all times and this can only be guaranteed if the Supreme Law of the land is respected accordingly.
</blockquote>
<h2>Pindula News</h2>

High Court’s Suspension Of Elections Casts Doubt On ZEC's Independence - ERC

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Election_Resource_Centre">Election Resource Centre (ERC)</a> a local election watchdog, has expressed concern over reports of alleged tampering of the voters’ roll saying the reports erode stakeholders’ confidence in the country’s electoral processes. Pindula News this week reported that some civil society groups said the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission</a> (ZEC) <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/02/14/zec-accused-of-moving-170k-voters-from-their-original-constituencies/">moved some 170 000 voters from their original constituencies and wards.</a> Pindula News presents ERC’s statement on the matter:
<blockquote>
<h2>STATEMENT: ERC CONCERNED BY VOTERS ROLL ANOMALIES</h2>
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) notes with grave concern at the alleged tampering of the voters’ roll availed to stakeholders ahead of the March 26 by-elections. The ERC has received numerous complaints from citizens who allegedly had their polling stations and wards changed arbitrarily without due notice in accordance with section 35(2) Electoral Act. 
A closer study of the 2018 and the 2022 voter rolls, show inconsistencies in Harare East, Kwekwe, Mutasa South and Redcliff Constituencies amongst others. These ungazetted changes erode citizens and stakeholder confidence in the electoral process.
Section 35 (2) states that; “a notice of the alteration shall be published in the Gazette by the Commission or voter registration officer, as the case may be. ZEC must fully inform the voters of the reasons why these movements or changes are necessary or desirable,” which has not occurred.
The ERC reiterates that ZEC must maintain the integrity of the voters’ roll, while also working to ensure that all electoral stakeholders are not intimidated when questioning the credibility of the voters’ roll. The Commission is on record stating that the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the deduplication exercises are used to clean errors found on the voters’ roll. Therefore, these exercises should never result in errors in the voters’ roll availed to stakeholders. 
In adherence to the principles of transparency, the ERC calls on the ZEC to avail evidence and information necessary to restore public confidence in the voters’ roll, which includes addressing the changes to polling stations without due notification. 
ELECTION RESOURCE CENTRE
information@erczim.org Tel: 0242-752774 Toll-Free 08080 219
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Election Resource Centre Concerned By Voters' Roll Anomalies

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has been accused of moving 170 000 voters from their original constituencies and wards ahead of the March 26 by-elections.
The move is seen as being deliberately aimed at affecting the outcome of the elections.
Activists, Team Pachedu, an opposition political activism online group, expressed concern over the development, saying ZEC was illegally changing electoral boundaries without notifying voters as stipulated by the law.
Critics say the move could disenfranchise many voters.
Team Pachedu said a total of 170 867 addresses that were in the 2018 voters roll have been edited by ZEC between 2018 and 2022, with Glen View South having the highest number of edited addresses (19 758), followed by Mangwe, Lupane East, Zaka East, Luveve, Kuwadzana and Chiredzi North. Said Team Pachedu:
<blockquote>
Zec has also moved many people from Glen View South constituency to Harare South constituency. The mass movement of voters across constituencies and wards when addresses have not changed implies that Zec is illegally changing electoral boundaries.
One typical illegal movement involves hundreds of voters from Zvimba East to Glen View South (Chirangano Car Park Tent).
For multiple voters in Chitungwiza South constituency, Zec has changed their former 2018 wards, yet their residential addresses have not changed at all. Who did Zec inform before making these sweeping changes in wards as required by the law?
After the 2018 elections, Zec created new polling stations and some of them are 6301HRE2807 C, Glen Norah (728 voters), 6301HRE3103 C, Glenview South (671 voters), 6301HRE3202 C, Glen View South (669 voters) and 5801KWE1402 C, Kwekwe Central (669) without informing anyone as required by the law.
</blockquote>
ZEC chief elections officer, Utoile Silaigwana, said citizens or organisations affected by the changes should approach ZEC district offices. He said:
<blockquote>
Can we see the claims because we haven’t received any complaints to date? You are very aware that the voter registration exercise is still underway, and so we can only have the correct information when it has been completed.
</blockquote>
On its official Twitter handle, Zec said polling stations are allocated according to proof of residence provided by the voter. The commission added that a voter has an option to transfer his/her registration to an area of preference provided they submit the requisite documents.
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) board chairperson, Andrew Makoni, said the trends were worrying as it could disenfranchise voters. Makoni added:
<blockquote>
Yes, it disfranchises voters as many will fail to vote because their wards have changed. Only Zec can provide the reasons why some voters may have been moved from one constituency to the other, and in this case from Glen View to Harare South as alleged.
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Makoni also echoed ZEC’s remarks that it is possible for a voter to change his ward or constituency adding that they have to be the ones approaching ZEC seeking a transfer. 
Election Resource Centre (ERC) programmes manager Solomon Bobosibunu said they were analysing the voters’ roll to establish if reports are accurate adding that ZEC cannot move registered voters without their consent. 
ZEC has in the past been accused of being biased towards the ruling ZANU PF, allegations the commission refutes.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zec-in-fresh-vote-rigging-storm/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

ZEC Accused Of Moving 170k Voters From Their Original Constituencies

The Electoral Resource Centre (ERC) has said by-elections will act as a test to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s preparedness to hold 2023 harmonised elections. Last year, authorities suspended elections indefinitely citing COVID-19 as the country was experiencing a second wave of the coronavirus. Pindula News presents the ERC statement on its position on the by-elections.
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<h2>ERC’s Position On Suspension Of By-Elections</h2>
It has been 11 months since by-elections were suspended under Statutory Instrument 225a of 2020. The Executive suspended the elections taking away the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). Despite the ZEC having developed the COVID-19 Policy on Electoral Activities with clear guidelines on how by-elections and other electoral activities would be conducted under COVID19, by-elections have remained illegally suspended. 
By-elections are a litmus test to ZEC’s preparedness for the 2023 Harmonised elections. Responsible authorities must ensure that when by-elections are conducted, they are conducted in a transparent, accountable and credible manner that boosts the confidence of electoral stakeholders.
Currently, COVID-19 is not the only pandemic affecting the delivery of credible elections. The failure to adhere to constitutional principles that are foundational to credible elections is another pandemic that is threatening democratic principles. 
It is worrisome that citizens are currently unrepresented in Parliament and Local Authorities. Section 1 of the Constitution states that Zimbabwe is a unitary, democratic and sovereign republic and is bound by principles of good governance which include free, fair and regular elections according to Section 2 (b) (ii). The ERC, therefore, calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to undertake his mandate of proclaiming by-elections since there is no court order setting aside the elections.
Conclusively, the resumption of by-elections must be preceded by the implementation of electoral reforms as by-elections without reforms pose a threat to the credibility and acceptability of electoral outcomes.
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More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

ERC: By-elections Test To ZEC's Preparedness For 2023 Elections

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<div dir="auto">Local election watchdog, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) has urged Zimbabwe to implement electoral reforms to consolidate gains of the liberation struggle adding that the Southern African country is yet to hold free, fair and credible elections. We present below ERC’s full Independence Day statement.</div>
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<div dir="auto">ERC INDEPENDENCE DAY PRESS STATEMENT</div>
<div dir="auto">18 April 2021</div>
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<div dir="auto">A functional democracy is characterised by free fair and credible elections</div>
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<div dir="auto">The Election Resource Centre (ERC) joins the rest of Zimbabweans in celebrating 41 years since the country attained independence, reflecting on the journey the country has walked so far, based on constitutionalism, good governance, transparency and accountability and regular elections all rooted in the 1980 elections which gave birth to Zimbabwe.</div>
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<div dir="auto">Elections since 1980: Elections are significant to any society as they safeguard the people’s rights to select their representatives, one way for citizen voices and opinions to be guaranteed. Zimbabwe continues to confer this right to citizens ensuring that elections are religiously held as and when they are due. However, the role of elections in Zimbabwe has since deflated as electoral malpractices and grievances characterize the electoral environment.</div>
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<div dir="auto">A democratic Zimbabwe: Since 1980, political polarization largely influenced the electoral environment undoing the idea of democratic, free, fair and credible elections. The independence of Zimbabwe must be informed by strong, impartial institutions, rule of law, constitutionalism and the observation of human rights. However, Zimbabwe continues on a path of electoral malpractice, state capture and infringement of human rights.</div>
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<div dir="auto">The urgent need for electoral reforms: Disputed elections have become the norm in Zimbabwe with the alleged intimidation of supporters of opposition parties and civic society, abuse of state resources, partisan political activities by security services and traditional leaders as well as the biased state media. There is need for urgent implementation of electoral reforms to attain a functional democracy. Zimbabwe has not yet conducted an election that meets standards set out by national, regional internationally set frameworks. Therefore, the onus is on the State to ensure the implementation of electoral and political reforms to ensure a level playing field and consolidate the gains of the liberation struggle.</div>
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<div dir="auto">Recommendations:</div>
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<div dir="auto">1. Implement electoral reforms ahead of impending by-elections and in preparation of the 2023 Harmonized elections.</div>
<div dir="auto">2. Reform the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)</a> looking at the ZEC’s personnel, practices and administration.</div>
<div dir="auto">3. Reform the legal framework for elections looking at the Electoral Act, all election-related regulations and procedures focusing on constitutionality and international best practise.</div>
<div dir="auto">4. Reform the conduct of the state media in electoral processes.</div>
<div dir="auto">5. Reform the conduct of the traditional leaders in political processes.</div>
<div dir="auto">6. Reform the role of the military in civilian affairs.</div>
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<div class="kb5gq1qc pfnyh3mw c0wkt4kp">More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></div>
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ERC: Zimbabwe Yet To Conduct Free, Fair Elections

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has observed and expressed concern over the low participation of the citizenry in the pre-voting processes since the 2018 elections.
The election watchdog argues that although the actual voting is important, the pre-voting process is equally important for a number of reasons including the obvious fact that it enables individuals to vote. ERC said:
<blockquote>It is generally agreed that voter registration serves three main purposes; to ensure that everyone eligible to vote can do so; prevent those not legally entitled to vote from voting and to curb multiple voting by an individual…
Voter registration following the 2018 harmonised elections has been worryingly low, with 1 444 people registering in 2019 according to a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission 2019 report, which is worrisome considering the fact that since 2018 approximately one million youths became eligible to register to vote.</blockquote>
ERC urges the youth who represents over 60% of the population and about 44% of people on the voters’ roll to vote to ensure high overall turnout.
The watchdog argues that those who are not voting are leaving their fate and future in the hands of those who vote.
ERC speaks when some disillusioned Zimbabweans are no longer interested in voting saying the process does not change the country’s political trajectory.
They argue that they have been voting but that has had little to no impact on the political set up, state of the economy and living standards.
Some argue that the ruling ZANU PF captured electoral bodies, therefore, voting will not result in a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, the ruling party says the outcome is the will of the people and the opposition must also respect those who vote for the governing party.
Elections are considered one of the fundamental pillars of democracy as they reflect the voice or interests of the citizenry.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/11/the-importance-of-voter-registration-to-the-youth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

Voter Registration Has Been Worringly Low - ERC

<blockquote>The Election Resource Centre (ERC) welcomes the decision taken by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to acknowledge the important role played by electoral stakeholders in election processes and the additional call on stakeholders to make submissions on the draft ZEC COVID-19 Policy.
The assurance to deliver credible, free and fair elections still stands as the foundation of ZEC’s constitutional duties.
The draft policy fails to address key election issues such as access to media, voters’ roll inspection, comprehensive voter registration exercises and the mobility of citizens to participate in election processes under lockdown.
ZEC must ensure adherence to the qualitative attributes of a credible, free and fair election which includes inclusiveness, transparency and accountability in all electoral activities.
It is crucial that ZEC, through their COVID-19 Policy, have a transparent conversation about the pros and cons of holding elections under current circumstances, as well as the risks of a continued postponement of elections.
ZEC in establishing the framework of the Covid-19 Policy on Electoral Activities must ensure that the rights and responsibilities expressed, are not impacted by the existence of Statutory Instruments during an election period.
In pursuit of democracy under COVID-19, the public’s right to participate in elections and electoral activities must not be limited arbitrarily.
The Statutory Instruments have a potential negative bearing on the freeness and fairness of the electoral environment, as the SI’s impact on access to information, participation in electoral processes such as registration, inspection and the overall quality of the vote.
ZEC must continue with the inclusive and consultative approach to electoral activities beyond the drafting of the COVID-19 Policy, by including civil society and election stakeholders in all decision-making processes related to elections under Covid-19 and beyond.
The biggest challenge with elections in Zimbabwe is not COVID-19 but the delivery of the qualitative aspects of elections which affects the credibility of electoral processes.
It is not simply about conducting elections under COVID-19 but ensuring free, fair and credible elections under COVID-19 and beyond.</blockquote>
<h4>More: ERC via <a href="http://kubatana.net/2020/07/13/statement-on-zec-covid-19-policy-on-electoral-activities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kubatana.net</a></h4>

ERC Welcomes ZEC COVID-19 Policy On Electoral Activities {Full Text}

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) Africa has expressed concern over the absence of the 2018 poll observer recommendations in the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No.2 of 2019.
The organisation posted on Twitter and said:
<blockquote>Has <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="parliamentzim" href="https://twitter.com/parliamentzim/" rel="noopener user noreferrer" target="_blank">@parliamentzim</a> neglected recommendation from 2018 poll observer recommendations<img alt="❓" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2753.png"/><img alt="❓" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2753.png"/><img alt="❓" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2753.png"/>Where are amendments addressing any of the pertinent issues raised pertaining to administrative And legal reforms<img alt="❓" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2753.png"/><img alt="❓" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2753.png"/>
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The 2018 elections sparked controversy with the opposition MDC arguing that the ruling ZANU PF in connivance with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission manipulated the outcome.
The Constitutional Court, however, ruled in favour of ZANU PF after the MDC failed to present evidence to substantiate its argument.
The MDC which is vowing to boycott the 2023 election if the current ZEC administration is still in officer claims that the voters’ roll had ghost voters. It also alleges that there was voter intimidation, vote-buying and altering of the actually figures candidates won.
The President Mnangagwa-led administration is arguing that reforms are underway although the government will not be pushed into “rushing” the implementation.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/ercafrica/status/1219321772232888320">Election Resource Centre (ERC) Africa</a>

Election Resource Centre Africa Concerned Over Absence Of 2018 Poll Observer Recommendations In Proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill

The Election Resource Center questioned the sincerity of the new dispensation after the ruling party’s political commissar <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Victor_Matemadanda">Victor Matemadanda</a> claimed elections would not remove the ruling party from power.
Writing for the Daily News, ERC said:
<blockquote>ERC denounces such reckless utterances that question the sincerity of the new dispensation in addressing electoral reforms well ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.  Matemadanda said: “If elections fail we will use any other means necessary”.  He also went on to say that elections will not remove <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Zimbabwe_African_National_Union_Patriotic_Front&amp;redirect=no">Zanu PF</a> from power.
Elections provide one of the few opportunities at the disposal of citizens to express themselves democratically.   They are one opportunity that is provided once every five years where citizens decide who should govern them.
According to the Constitution, Zimbabwe has a multi-party democratic political system whose electoral system is based on equality of votes, orderly transfer of power following elections, respect for the rights of political parties and respect for the people of Zimbabwe from whom authority to govern is derived.
The utterances attributed to Matemadanda are in clear violation of the constitution which he took an oath to uphold together with other laws of Zimbabwe as a deputy minister (of Defence).  Zimbabwe is a democratic republic in which democratic processes should be exalted and not subverted.
Suggesting that there are other ways to remain in power outside elections reinforces the growing perception that elections in Zimbabwe do not determine who governs.</blockquote>
Matemadanda <a href="http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2019/12/elections-will-not-remove-zanu-pf-from.html">made these utterances last week at the Zanu PF Annual Congres</a>s.
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/17/matemadanda-s-reckless-utterances-costly-for-zim">Daily News</a>

Matemadanda's "Elections Will Not Remove Zanu PF" Utterances Concerning - ERC

Donald Trump’s Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) cut financial support to poll lobby group Election Resource Centre headed by Tawanda Chimhini, Okay Machisa’s Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), Counselling Services Unit and Transparency International Zimbabwe among others.
State media reports funding was cut after investigations exposed non-compliance with set principles, and gross abuse of funds. ZimRights director Mr Okay Machisa yesterday told State media that the US had suspended funding but denied it was because they abused funds.  Said Machisa:
<blockquote>We have received communication that they are not continuing to fund us. The principles that we have as an organisation are that when we are looking for funding, signing grants or when the grant is cut, we do not discuss it in the Press. However, I don’t think that is very correct to say we have abused any funds. We have not abused any donor funds. You have raised issues of non-compliance, but it does not mean abuse of funds. It means you might have submitted reports late, made false reports or abused their facilities.</blockquote>
NewZimbabwe.com could not get a comment from the US Embassy in Harare but an official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed abuse of funds by local non-governmental organisations. NewZimbabwe.com reports that the US Embassy has resorted to confiscation of vehicles and other properties to recover part of the abused funds.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/trump-govt-pulls-plug-on-zimbabwes-pro-opposition-ngos-cites-gross-plunder-of-cash/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/us-suspends-funding-for-political-ngos-ahead-of-polls/">Chronicle</a>

Trump Govt Cuts Funding For Pro-Democracy NGOs

Election Resource Centre (ERC) has called on Government to publicise the reasons why former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson Rita Makarau resigned following the resignation of Robert Mugabe as Zimbabwe’s president.
ERC chairperson Trust Maanda said Government must disclose Makarau’s reasons for leaving office to clear perceptions that she was forced to do so. Said Maanda:
<blockquote>We need to know that she resigned either because there was conflict of interest with her other appointments or she decided on professional grounds or her own personal reasons so we know that that office was vacated properly and it is going to be filled in properly. If somebody is removed unlawfully, obviously the person who will come to fill that office might be perceived as having been imposed. That information will allay any perceptions that she was forced out.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/01/give-reasons-makarau-resignation-erc/">NewsDay</a>

Govt Must Reveal Rita Makarau's Reasons For Resigning Says ERC

Elections watchdog, Election Resource Centre (ERC), has warned the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) that it will be breaking the law by preventing police officers and electoral officers deployed outside their polling stations from voting. This comes after ZEC chairperson Rita Makarau said all police officers and electoral officers deployed outside their polling stations during the voting period will not be allowed to vote.
The ERC said:
<blockquote>Clearly, Zec has ruled out voting through postal votes by members of the disciplined forces and electoral officers on duty. While this appears to be the Zec position, the ERC wishes to refer the commission to electoral amendments, which occurred after the July 2013 elections. Particularly, an amendment to the Electoral Act, section 72 through the General Laws Amendment Act and preceding amendments through the Electoral Amendment Act of 2014 effectively reinstated postal voting to members of the disciplined forces and electoral officers on duty during polling.</blockquote>
 
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/07/31/zec-breaking-law-erc/">NewsDay</a>

ZEC is breaking the law by stopping electoral officers and policemen from voting in 2018

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