14 August, 2023
ERC Heroes Day Press Statement- Right to Vote in 2023
The Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC) joins the rest of Zimbabweans in commemorating National Heroes Day on the 14th of August 2023. The anniversary, which is celebrated annually on the second Monday of August, honors and recognizes the sacrifices of all those that participated in the liberation struggle.
The ERC recognizes the contribution of the liberation war heroes and heroines, both the living and the departed, who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from colonial rule. ERC commemorates the gains attained through the liberation struggle. These gains which are now enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe include, the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly and above all, the universal adult suffrage and the right to free and fair elections.
As we commemorate today, it is important to reflect on the progress and challenges the country has realized since the attainment of political independence 43 years ago (forty-three years). While the Constitution guarantees the political and civil rights of Zimbabweans, it is in the implementation that we witness gaps. Zimbabweans in the diaspora, in prisons and hospitals cannot enjoy the right to vote today. Zimbabweans in the rural areas continue to feel harassed and intimidated from enjoying free association and participation in political activity of their choice, especially with alternative political formations and candidates apart from the current ruling party.
General public sentiment as noted in numerous surveys reveal that people have very little confidence in the electoral process as well as the election management body in the country.
While we applaud efforts by the Church to have political parties sign the peace pledge, incidents of political violence that include the use of hate speech, defacing of political material and disruption of political meetings and rallies across the country continue to be witnessed. There is a disconnect between what is said and done by political leadership at national level with what is obtained in communities.
During the liberation war, women and youths played very critical roles in enabling the guerillas. Sadly, in this current election, the number and level of women’s participation as candidates is very poor, far less than it was in the 2018 elections. The same can be said about youths and people with disabilities. Zimbabwe is still far below becoming an inclusive nation as many vulnerable groups are left behind when it comes to political participation.
Cases of voter intimidation and violation by the security services in their quest to maintain law and order have been observed and this further erodes the people’s confidence in the electoral processes. We urge our security services to uphold the tenets of the Constitution and subsequent laws governing their role and conduct especially in relating with civilians and election related processes.
The heroes and heroines of today are those who registered to exercise their right to vote which was fought for standing on the shoulders of the heroes and heroines we are celebrating today. We urge all registered voters to go out and cast their vote on the 23rd of August 2023. High voter turnout can be the tribute we give to our heroes and heroines who sacrificed so that we attain universal adult suffrage.
The right to universal suffrage which was fought for, can only be truly achieved when the necessary safety nets through reforms to the electoral laws are instituted. A deep reflection by all electoral stakeholders is important to achieve credible, free and fair polls in future. +
Wishing Zimbabwe a peaceful and reflective celebration during this National Heroes’ Day Celebrations!
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