Date: 1 May 2025 Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
ERC MAY DAY STATEMENT: LEAVE NO WORKER BEHIND – A CALL FOR AFRICA TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE OF WORKERS
Today, the 1st of May, we join workers and advocates across the African continent and globally in observing International Workers Day. This day serves to celebrate the struggles and achievements of workers and to promote workers’ rights, social justice, and international solidarity. The Election Resource Centre (ERC) Africa, which is deeply engaged in the pursuit of democratic integrity within Africa, stands in solidarity with this worldwide commemoration.
The ERC is committed to the principle that elections in Africa are integral to democratic governance, fostering transparency and accountability. We recognize that a vital component of this democratic framework is the fundamental right to vote, which is central to democratic participation and must be accessible to all, including workers. Despite this, the ERC, along with other observer missions active throughout Africa, has highlighted challenges and shortcomings in various electoral processes. Logistical challenges during elections can significantly impede citizens, including workers, even if these issues are not directly framed as barriers for them. For instance, delays in delivering voting materials, long queues due to a lack of sufficient polling places or slow processing, and other similar problems can create serious obstacles for people trying to exercise their right to vote. The ERC is concerned that limited time away from work on election days may inadvertently infringe upon workers’ voting rights.
Full citizen participation in democracy is crucial, necessitating policies that empower marginalized communities. The ERC emphasizes the active inclusion of workers, a significant group, in this vision of participatory democracy. Therefore, the ERC calls on the relevant authorities across Africa, including Election Management Bodies (EMBs), Parliaments, and Ministries responsible for Justice and Elections, to proactively address this challenge. We urge these bodies to review existing legislation and/or enact new regulations to effectively safeguard the rights of workers to vote on election days.
The timely updating of electoral laws has been observed in many countries, with notable examples including Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We highlight the importance of publishing amendments to these laws timeously before an election. This proactive approach, which is a key part of our advocacy, demands timely action from authorities. Publishing amendments early is crucial to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. It is essential for stakeholders such as political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, and voters to have timely access to updated laws. We caution that delaying the publication of amendments can lead to confusion and manipulation, negatively impacting democracy. Therefore, disseminating changes early is vital for ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
Specifically, the ERC recommends the following measures:
- The introduction of provisions enabling employees to take a leave of absence for a specified period on polling day specifically for casting a vote. This aligns with the principle of removing practical barriers to voting.
- Alternatively, a review of the definition of persons who may vote by post or through special voting mechanisms in the relevant Electoral Acts. This may include:
- Enhancing voting options for targeted groups through the revision of electoral laws to allow a broader array of individuals, including individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and expectant mothers, to participate in early voting.
- Considering early voting as an alternative to proxy voting and seek to include voters such as polling personnel and essential service workers.
- Updating the Electoral Act to guarantee that special ballots are counted and aggregated with the votes cast on Election Day underscoring a commitment to implementing these alternative voting initiatives.
The ERC therefore advocates for the provision of alternative voting arrangements for individuals facing constraints. By reflecting on the rights of workers this May Day, we not only acknowledge the significant contributions of workers to society across the African continent, but also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting their rights on election days. Our goal, in line with the spirit of International Workers Day and the recommendations for more inclusive democratic processes in Africa, is to ensure that the voices of workers are heard both in the workplace and in the ballot box.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY…….
For more information: www.ercafrica.org or visit our X/Twitter: @ercafrica
