Data Privacy Concerns
According to section 10 of the Cyber & Data Protection Act, personal information may only be
processed where one consents to the processing of such data. The current registration model
requires the collection of personal and biometric data upon consent by one presenting themselves
at a registration centre for registration. The current proposals will seemingly bypass the consent
requirement and raise privacy concerns around the use of personal data.
Independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
The law must safeguard the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). The
proposed amendments do not uphold, guarantee, assist, protect or further the independence of
the Electoral Commission in violation of the Constitution and the SADC Principles and Guidelines
Governing Democratic Elections. ZEC has long been making recommendations to strengthen the
independence of the Commission including recommendations submitted by ZEC in 2019 which
continue to be ignored.
Historical Context
The proposed amendments call for a return to the old system of electoral administration where
the registration of voters was conducted by the now repealed Registrar-General of Voters
(repealed in General Laws Amendment Bill 2015). Electoral stakeholders including political
parties and civil society organisations had long been critical of the Registrar-General of Voters
office formerly held by Tobaiwa Mudede. Former ZEC Chairperson, Simpson Mtambanengwe,
had previously noted that the Registrar-General of Voters ought to operate under the supervision
of the Commission in conducting voter registration. Noting the difficulty of separating duties and
roles between the Electoral Commission and other state institutions.
Piecemeal Approach to Amendments
The ERC believes that any amendments to electoral laws should be undertaken after wide
ranging consultations pertaining to ALL aspects of the election including addressing
recommendations made by Election Observer Missions following the 2023 Harmonised Election
and not nitpicking amendments in a piecemeal manner.
What the government ought to do
If the government wants to change the practices concerning improving the registration of voters,
it has the following options;
● Support collaboration between the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Civil Registry
Department through practice and/or policy changes that allow the Electoral Commission
to coordinate voter registration with the Civil Registry without taking away the function
from the Commission.
● Adequately fund the Electoral Commission to carry out periodic voter registration blitzes
that support the continuous voter registration targeting areas with low rates of registration.
● The Government should call on the Commission to partner with civil society organisations
in voter registration exercises noting the successes in the mass registration of voters in
2018 where ERC and others had partnered with the Electoral Commission.
● Any consultation regarding amendments to electoral laws should be wide-ranging and
pertain to all aspects of the election including addressing recommendations made by
electoral stakeholders.
● The government must formally announce a roadmap towards the 2028 polls, including
timelines for gathering public input on areas of reforms, as well as setting up a Multi
Stakeholder Platform to coordinate this effort.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Executive Director: +263 773 963 785
Tel: 0242-752774
Toll Free: 08080 219
information@erczim.org
Twitter; @ercafrica
Instagram: @ercafrica
Facebook: Election Resource Centre Zimbabwe

ERC AFRICA STATEMENT ON THE POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE.

The Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC Africa) notes with concern as the recent post election period in Mozambique has been marred with violence and repression, with at least 34 people dead according to the Centro para Democracia e Direitos Humanos (CDD). Following the 9 October 2024 election, state security forces have used excessive force to disperse opposition-led demonstrations in Maputo, Mozambique and systematically restricted internet access amid the violent crackdown. 

The protests are a result of growing tensions following the announcement on Thursday the 24th of October 2024 of the election results by the National Electoral Commission (CNE) declaring Daniel Chapo (Frelimo) as Presidential winner amid allegations of widespread vote rigging and electoral malpractice. The disputes follow a historical trend in highly contested elections, as not a single result in previous elections has been seen as credible. The recurring allegations of election fraud and the growing lack of credibility of the electoral dispute resolution mechanisms has culminated in the protests. Additionally, the election result management framework for Mozambique has created uncertainty around result finalisation as the Constitutional Council is yet to validate the election results.

While ERC Africa recognizes the role of state security in the protection of lives and maintenance of peace, ERC Africa urges them to maintain professionalism and most importantly preserve the sanctity of human life. The ERC takes this opportunity to remind the Mozambican government of its commitments to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which places a commitment on the Mozambican government to take all necessary measures and precautions to prevent political violence. 

Additionally, ERC Africa takes note of the calls to hold a SADC Extraordinary Summit between 16 and 20 November 2024, to address the deepening post election crisis in Mozambique. The Summit consists of Heads of State/Government within the Southern African Development Community and has the powers to approve policies and strategies of SADC. Additionally, the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has jurisdiction over any matter affecting peace and security in any member state as enshrined in Article 11 of the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, of which Mozambique is a signatory. 

The Extraordinary Summit has an opportunity to take an important step in re-establishing precedents around accountability for post election violence for member states. A step necessary for the restoration of public trust in electoral processes across Southern Africa.

Recommendations

The Mozambican authorities should:

1. Immediately call an end to the violent state led response to the post election protests
2. Take immediate steps to guarantee the right to life and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment for all Mozambicans. The government should publicly denounce all acts of violence including violence perpetrated by state security agents
3. Allow international election observers, human rights organisations and the media unrestricted access to all parts of the country and also guarantee the safety of all persons who report human rights abuses.
4. Ensure that all people arrested are free from torture and other ill-treatment while in detention, that they have adequate conditions of detention and access to lawyers, relatives and medical care, and are immediately brought before the courts.
5. Immediately cease internet blockages and restore full access to the internet and social media platforms to all citizens.

Political Parties

6. While they can continue to exercise their constitutional rights, they must do so peacefully, while upholding the rights of others.

SADC

7. SADC should quickly intervene in resolving the crisis to alleviate the potential loss of more lives.

End//.

For more information

ERC Chairperson

Trust Maanda

+263 77 2432646  

ERC Executive Director 

Babra Ontibile Bhebe

+263 77 396 3785

information@erczim.org

Twitter: @ercafrica

As we join the rest of the world in commemorating this day, it is important to reiterate what the Zimbabwe Constitution provides for in order for the people of Zimbabwe to reflect how well or poorly we are as a democracy.  The Zimbabwean Constitution is elaborate on the declaration of rights, sets our very clear aspirations as captured in the preamble, the founding provisions and national objectives. The State and its citizens are mandated to promote, uphold and protect these rights and tenets with the State through its subsequent arms including the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary given elaborate roles and responsibilities. To further entrench democracy and its practices, the Zimbabwean Constitution enabled the creation of Independent Commissions Supporting Democracy namely the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.  

Recently held harmonized elections, the continued repression of alternative voices and structures, heightened conscription and restriction on the civil space and non state actors, the undermining of key constitutional imperatives, politicization of government initiatives and policies have all but weakened the public’s conviction that our democracy is stable and entrenched. It is sad to observe that public confidence in the Independent Commissions is gradually on the decline, a situation that will further empower the State and its agencies to continue on a path of limited accountability and relevance towards the public good.  

This year’s Democracy Day focuses on Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance. With growing information, communication and technological advances, Artificial Intelligence has become a new phenomenon impacting all communication and relationships within a democracy. Good and promising as this is, if left unchecked, Artificial Intelligence can work against humanity and democracy in particular. Therefore, we urge the Government and State Commissions as well as non state actors to invest in harnessing the positives that Artificial Intelligence creates especially in gaining insights on public mood/will, simplifying messaging and encouraging public participation in governance processes, while adhering to strict regulation protocols to attend to the negatives such as mis-information and disinformation and the violation of privacy rights. 

AI can also be used as a tool for good governance, AI can be used to counter misinformation, disinformation and mal-information around the election cycle. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and CSOs can also use AI to enhance public participation via civic education. This can help to decrease voter apathy especially among the youth. AI chatbots can also be used to engage voters on social media to answer electoral questions and provide critical electoral information. To add on, AI can also be used to detect electoral fraud by analysing patterns and anomalies in data. AI must serve mankind transparently!

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) Africa joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Democracy which is celebrated annually on the 15^th of September. On this International Day of Democracy, let’s keep working to build a more democratic, peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe for all! 

END/

ERC Heroes Day Press Statement- Honor the sacrifices of Zimbabwean Heroes!

The Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC) joins the rest of Zimbabweans in-country and across the world in commemorating the National Heroes Day on the 12th of August 2024.

ERC Africa recognizes and values the contributions of the gallant men and women, young and old, both living and departed who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from colonial rule, ensure right to access land as well as right to vote. The gains of the liberation struggle, now attained in the Constitution of Zimbabwe under Chapter 4 of The Bill of Rights, play a major role in the right to free and fair elections in the country.

While we applaud the government for the rehabilitation and construction of roads and some key infrastructure currently underway under the Transport and Infrastructural Development Ministry, we remind the country’s leadership to also priorities’ improving health facilities and supplies to guarantee right to health and right to life as well as political rights freedoms with same zeal and urgency.

As we commemorate this year’s Heroes Day, we commend and encourage the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa to honor his public position and respect the Constitution of Zimbabwe with regards to his tenure in office, to ensure peaceful and constitutional transitions.

Lastly, the efforts and sacrifices made by our fallen and living heroes can only be fulfilled when Zimbabweans are free to express their views and free to associate with any political party without being violated or intimidated. We encourage the government to work together with citizens in creating a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe for all, regardless of tribe, gender or political views and associations.

Happy Heroes Day Zimbabwe.

The Election Resource Centre (ERC Africa) joins the rest of Africa in commemorating the Day
of the African Child 2024, a day of remembrance for the role played by the youth on 16 June
1976 during the Soweto student uprisings. The Day of the African Child is celebrated to
commemorate these children and the brave action they took to defend their rights. The Day of
the African Child also serves to celebrate children of Africa as well as inspire a sober reflection
and action towards addressing the challenges that children in Africa face on a daily basis.

The ERC takes this day to remind the youth that our history is defined by the sacrifices of the
youth in pursuit of a democratic Africa. This history underscores the importance of youths in
safeguarding democracy.
With regular elections now a prerequisite in the pursuit of democratisation for African
countries, the day presents African countries an opportunity to reflect upon the theme for 2024,

“Education for all children in Africa: the time is now.”

Young people constitute the largest population demographic and can play a critical role in
addressing socio-economic challenges faced by citizens.
 States must ensure that African children and young people are central to nation
building and have platforms and opportunities around the safeguarding and
strengthening of democratic principles. A key step in achieving this is to raise
awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities at a younger age as well as
removing barriers for stakeholders to participate in this education process.
 We implore the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that the syllabus within the
education system includes promoting active citizenship.
 We urge the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to consider rolling out civic and voter
education targeting young people in primary, secondary and tertiary education and
those in the informal sector of the economy.
 Platforms such as the Junior Councils and Junior Parliament must be supported as
vehicles that can harness the voices of young people to inform public policy and
programs that directly empowers and improves the living conditions of young people
in the country.

 We call upon all young wings and/or structures in political parties and movements to
be led by the youths and represent young people effectively thus providing a platform
for leadership development and sharpening on civic and political consciousness critical
in socio-economic development.

Last but not least, we appeal to young people who are turning or are 18 years of age and
above to seriously consider being registered voters and when voting times comes, that they
actively participate and exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities. This also pays
tribute to the young people who contributed during the struggles for political independence
and the democratisation of Africa.

The ERC encourages Africa States to carry out legislative and administrative measures to
realise the right to education, including the right to education on constitutional rights to all
African children.

For more information
ERC Chairperson
Trust Maanda
+263 77 2432646
ERC Executive Director
Babra Ontibile Bhebe
+263 77 396 3785
information@erczim.org
https://ercafrica.org
Twitter: @ercafrica

Today marks the 44th anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence, a significant milestone in our nation’s history. It is a time to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment and to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for our liberation. As we join the rest of Zimbabweans in celebrating this day, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) is reminded of the principles that guided the struggle for independence: the quest for freedom from colonial rule, universal suffrage, and the commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. The principles remain as relevant today as they were 44 years ago and should continue to guide efforts to build a democratic and inclusive Zimbabwe.

While progress has been made since 1980, we must acknowledge the continued, persistent challenges in our electoral democracy. The shrinking of civic space, increasing restrictions on political participation, deprivation of fundamental human rights, and the lack of transparency and accountability in electoral processes are obstacles that must be addressed to fully realize the full aspirations of political independence. Continued perennial electoral process and outcome disputes in elections make it imperative to prioritize electoral and political reforms in Zimbabwe, encompassing a comprehensive review of legislation shaping the political and electoral landscape in order to leave no one behind as well as restore confidence in our electoral and governance systems. It is now established that politics and economics can only be positive if they mutually reinforce each other; thus, as Zimbabweans, we all must tirelessly reach out to one another to make Zimbabwe a great nation.

On this independence day, the ERC calls on citizens and the government to reaffirm their commitment to building a Zimbabwe where every voice is heard, every vote counts, and every citizen can participate openly in shaping the future of our nation. Together, we can uphold the ideals of independence and ensure that Zimbabwe continues to move forward on the path of democracy and progress.

Happy Independence Day, Zimbabwe!

INTRODUCTION
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) deployed observers to
observe by-elections to fill vacancies in Chegutu West and Zvimba East constituencies
(Mashonaland West), Goromonzi South and Seke constituencies (Mashonaland East), Mkoba
North (Midlands) and Pelandaba-Tshabalala (Bulawayo Metropolitan) constituencies. The
vacancies were prompted by the controversial recalls of Members of Parliament in the
constituencies by the purported Interim Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change
(CCC), Sengezo Tshabangu on 13 November 2023.

The ERC, a think-tank and advocacy group on electoral and democratic issues in Zimbabwe,
deployed 100 short-term observers across the six constituencies in accordance with Section 40I
to carry out the election observer duties as specified by Section 40G of the Electoral Act. The
objective of ERC’s by-election observation mission is to contribute to enhanced transparency
and accountability of electoral processes by providing systematic and factual information on the
conduct of the process, and inclusion by giving voters the confidence to participate in the
electoral process.

ERC’s initial findings are based on reports received from 96% of observed polling locations and
focus on findings submitted by ERC observers on the set-up, opening of polling stations and
morning voting on election day. We are pleased to share with stakeholders our findings as of
13:00 hours.

FINDINGS

1. Pre-Polling Processes
   Observers reported that in all polling locations the Presiding Officer conducted pre-polling
   processes (including declaring ballot boxes empty and sealing them) per the ZEC Election
   Officers Manual which guides election day processes and the conduct of election officers.
2. Opening of Polling Stations
   ● 100% of our observers were permitted to observe the by-elections at their assigned
   polling stations.
   ● 95% of our observers report that 99% of polling stations opened on time and the ERC
   further notes that at observed polling stations all ZEC officials were present.

● Election material including ballot papers, ballot boxes, booths, voters roll, indelible ink,
and stamps were present at all polling stations.
● The voters’ roll was evidently placed outside polling stations according to 100% of our
observers,
● The secrecy of the vote was well protected given the placement of ballot booths within
the polling stations,

3. Inclusion
   ● The ERC notes that from reports 96% of polling stations were accessible to people with
   disabilities, however 4% remain inaccessible to PWD’s.
   ● 50% of Presiding Officers deployed by the Electoral Commission were female from the
   observed polling stations across the 6 constituencies, while 57.1% of all electoral officers
   were female.
5. Voting Process
   ERC observers noted in the observation of the voting process that;
   ● On average there were 4 police officers deployed at observed polling stations.
   ● The by-elections have been characterised by low voter turnout. The ERC notes that at
   12:00 noon voter turnout was approximately 11%.
   ● The ERC observed that on average 80 people had cast their votes by midday at the
   observed polling stations, of this number, an average of 3.8% of the votes cast were cast
   by assisted voters. Reasons cited for assistance include illiteracy (34%), elderly (45%)
   and PWD’s (30%).
6. 
   Message to Eligible Voters
   We continue to urge registered voters in Chegutu West, Goromonzi South, Mkoba North,
   Pelandaba-Tshabalala, Seke and Zvimba East Constituencies who are yet to cast their ballot to
   show up and be counted, the stations close at 1900hrs.
   We urge Zimbabweans to actively participate in these by-elections given that elections remain a
   key hallmark of any democracy as citizens are accorded the right and opportunity to choose
   their leaders and give them legitimacy to act on their behalf as part of the social contract.
   ENDS
   About Election Resource Centre (ERC)
   The ERC is a think tank and advocacy organisation on electoral and democracy issues in
   Africa,having been formed in January 2010 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. Our
   vision is an African continent with transparent, credible, inclusive democratic and electoral
   processes.

(As of 12:00 pm Saturday 9 December 2023)

INTRODUCTION
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) is observing the 9 December 2023 by-elections that arose
as a result of recalls from Parliament in Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe,
Mpopoma-Mzilikazi, Nketa, Lupane East, Binga North and Beitbridge West Constituencies. The
focus of the effort include observing the conduct of polling during the elections, establishing
voting trends in by-elections as well as tracking adherence to legal provisions and standards in
the conduct of democratic, free, fair and credible elections. Overall, this effort seeks to
document and provide a comprehensive review of the by-election to Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission (ZEC), political parties, stakeholders and the people of Zimbabwe.

The ERC has deployed 60 trained and accredited observers, which include 44 polling station
based observers and 16 mobile observers covering 8 constituencies and 38 wards. A total of 69
polling stations have been observed so far. The polling station based observers have been
deployed at polling locations in the constituencies to provide the ERC enough data to comment
on the electoral processes within the constituencies.

ERC’s initial findings are based on reports received from 86% of observed polling locations and
focus on findings submitted by ERC observers on the set-up, opening of polling stations and
morning voting on election day.

1. Arrival at Polling Stations
   By 7:00 am, all ERC Observers were at their assigned polling locations. In all polling stations
   where ERC observers are deployed, ZEC staff respected the ERC Observer’s status as an
   accredited observer and permitted them to observe at the polling stations. We have 100% of our
   observers permitted to observe.
3. Polling Set-Up
   2.1. Polling Station Personnel – ERC Observers reported that most polling stations had
   the necessary polling personnel ahead of voting (including Presiding Officer – 100%,
   Usher – 88%, Voters Roll Officer – 100%, Statistics Officer – 97%, Indelible Ink
   Marking Officer – 97%, Ballot Paper Issuer – 100%, Recording Officer – 100%,
   Security Official – 100%, Election Observers – 85%, Media – 22.5% and Candidates –
   15%)
   2.2. Election Material – 100% of observers reported that all essential strategic materials
   (including the voter’s roll, ballot papers, ballot boxes and seals and indelible ink)
   were available at all observed polling locations at the time of opening.
   2.3. Pre-Polling Processes – Observers reported that in all polling locations the
   Presiding Officer conducted pre-polling processes (including Declaring Ballot Boxes
   Empty and Sealing them) per the ZEC Election Officers Manual which guides
   election day processes and the conduct of election officers.
   2.4. Deployment of Party Agents – ZANU PF party agents were sighted at 97% of
   polling locations, Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) polling agents were present at

2

50% of polling locations, while ERC observers also noted the presence of party
agents representing other parties or candidates at 10% of the polling stations.
2.5. Security Personnel – ERC observers noted that at 100% of observed polling
locations, security personnel were stationed during the setup and pre-polling process
and there was an average of 3 police officers per polling station.

3. Opening Time
   97% of ERC Observers reported that voting commenced on time at 07:15 am at their
   stations and by 08:00 am all stations under observation had commenced voting.
5. Voter Turnout
   Preliminary indications from collected data states that voter turnout for the by-elections is
   low averaging 15.7%, highest being at Ndimimbili Pre-School (Lupane East
   Constituency) where turnout stands at 53.5% as at 12:00 pm.
7. Assisted Voters
   The ERC has observed that, on average 10% of total votes cast during the by-election
   have been cast by assisted voters during the morning voting period for the by-election.
   Notable polling stations include;
   ● Jiba Jiba Pre-School (Lupane East Constituency) where 40% of the total votes
   cast so far have been cast by assisted voters.
   ● Cheenga Primary School A (Binga North Constituency) where 34% of the total
   votes cast so far have been cast by assisted voters.
   ● Sinansengwe Business Center Tent (Binga North Constituency) where 34% of
   the total votes cast so far have been cast by assisted voters.
   The main reasons cited for assistance include illiteracy 27%, elderly 39% and 21%
   people with disabilities (PWD’s) and other reasons cited.
9. Critical Incidents
   ● The ERC noted an incident at Msitheli High School (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi
   Constituency) where the voters roll published outside the polling station was not
   visible for the public. This was later adjusted.
11. Recommendations
    ● Political party agents continue monitoring the process through voting, closing,
    and counting in a peaceful manner. They are also encouraged to mobilise their
    supporters and the registered voters who have not turned out to vote.

Overall
The ERC commends the Zimbabwean electorate for turning out to vote despite the low numbers
and disputes around the process leading to the by-elections.
We call on voters who are yet to turn out to vote to go to their polling stations to cast their vote.

Your Vote Counts!

As an organisation, we remain committed to providing credible information, strategic services,
and deliberative platforms that aim to improve the quality of democracy and elections at all tiers
of Zimbabwean society.

The Election Resource Centre- Africa (ERC) condemns the horrendous politically motivated murder of Pastor Tapfumanei Masaya who had been abducted while campaigning ahead of the Mabvuku-Tafara Constituency by-election scheduled for 9 December 2023. We join the Masaya family in mourning the deceased. The ERC joins the calls for stakeholders (ZEC, ZHRC, ZRP, ZANU PF, CCC and supporters) to immediately address the escalating cases of politically motivated violence.

It is concerning that notwithstanding the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in 2022, there has been a significant increase in the cases of politically motivated violence around election dates. Politically motivated violence has serious consequences for the victims but also negatively affects free, fair and credible elections and Zimbabwe’s democratic trajectory. With evidence that the murder is linked to political participation, the Electoral Act clearly sets out prohibited conduct that could potentially invalidate an election or result in the disqualification of candidates, with politically motivated violence, being one.

Additionally, the ERC cautions against political parties and their members from using the recall provision to settle political differences disregarding the political rights of citizens exercised at the ballot. Recalls have a demobilising effect on the electorate and contributes to the ever increasing voter apathy. Long term the more the recalls happen, the less likely citizens are to participate in elections. A core issue is that the current application of section 129k of the Constitution (recalls) in Zimbabwe is undemocratic. ERC calls on all stakeholders to strive to comply with constitutionalism and respect citizens’ political rights in applying the recall laws and refrain from wonton application of the law that ultimately infringes on the rights of citizens.

The ERC recommends that the Electoral Commission in consultation with electoral stakeholders and political parties must engage on whether the grounds for a free and fair election on 9 December in Mabvuku-Tafara Constituency still exist.

Ends//

Background
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) held elections on the 11th of November 2023 in Kusile RDC – Ward 13; Nkayi RDC – Ward 11; Vungu RDC – Ward 14, Zvimba RDC – Ward 23, Hurungwe RDC – Ward 24 and Gutu West Constituency to fill vacancies in those seats. The vacancies arose following the death of nominated
candidates ahead of the 23 August 2023 Harmonised Election. While for Hurungwe RDC – Ward 24 the vacancy arose following the death of the councillor. The ERC deployed observers to observe the elections.

Nomination Court
The nomination court for the elections sat on the 10th of October 2023. The following
were duly nominated to contest in the by-elections;
● Gutu West Constituency – S. Mudzingwa (Independent); R. Kurwa (NCA); E.
Morudu (CCC); J Paradza (ZANU PF)
● Hurungwe RDC – Ward 24 – E. Kasirowel (CCC); J. Makumbe Jerry (ZANU PF)
● Kusile RDC – Ward 13 – B. Moyo (UZA); T. Qonda (CCC); M. Gama (ZAPU); M.
Ncube (ZANU PF)
● Nkayi RDC – Ward 11 – M. Ncube (ZANU PF); P. Ndlovu (MDC- T); M. Khumalo
(CCC); M. Mpofu (ZAPU).
● Vungu RDC – Ward 14 – A. Muchemwa (ZANU PF); A. Matambiko (CCC)
● Zvimba RDC – Ward 14, EJ. Rabu (NCA); C. Muganhiri (ZANU PF); M.
Chinanzvavana (CCC); P. Gomani (Independent)

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
Campaigns – The ERC notes with concern at the systematic restriction of the campaign space ahead of elections. The ERC notes that this is a continuing trend from the pre-2023 Harmonised Elections environment. Ahead of the by-election the ERC received reports that in Gutu West Constituency, the CCC candidate was arrested four times during the run up to the by-election which disrupted campaigns.

Results as announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)

Source:ZEC
Political Environment – on polling day, the ERC received reports of ZANU PF branded cars around polling locations and in some instances driving into polling locations in violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates and Other Stakeholders, which prohibits campaigning or displaying campaign material
within 300 metres of a polling station. There was heavy police presence at Kuwadzana in Banket as CCC and ZANU PF exchanged verbal insults near a beerhall where ZANU PF supporters were allegedly inviting voters for alcohol and drinks while soliciting votes potentially violating principles of the Electoral Act relating to vote buying.
Presence of FAZ – As witnessed during the 2023 Harmonised elections, FAZ presence during elections continues to directly and indirectly intimidate/influence voters. In Vungu RDC, ERC received reports that members of FAZ were documenting vehicles entering the polling station while in Zvimba RDC, FAZ members were present at polling station entrances collecting voters details before and after voting. The
conduct of these FAZ members unduly influences the electorate in violation of
section 134 of the Electoral Act.
ZEC Administration – Following the disruptions (inability of ZEC to display the voters roll) witnessed during the 23 August Harmonised Election, the ERC notes that there was a return to administrative normalcy as ZEC displayed the voters roll outside of polling stations, a commendable reform that has been implemented by the
Commission since 2019. ERC commends the Electoral Body for opening and closing all polling stations in time. ZEC also ensured that voters in the queue had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote whilst all polling materials were delivered in
time and polling procedures were adequately observed.

Assisted Voters – the ERC notes with concern the high number of assisted voters during the 11 November by-elections, a trend on the rise from the 23 August Harmonised Elections. The ERC received reports of high numbers of assisted voters in the by-election sites with polling stations in Gutu West Constituency noting 20% of
votes cast at polling stations being cast by assisted voters.
Traditional Leaders – traditional leaders continued to act in a partisan manner in communities ahead of by-elections through the partisan distribution of state resources and in some cases the active mobilisation of communities to vote along partisan lines. The conduct of traditional leaders continues in violation of their
constitutional mandate.

Recommendations

1. Traditional leaders and the ZRP must desist from partisan politics in violation of the constitution. The ERC
   encourages both to execute their mandates in a nonpartisan manner.
2. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must take steps to address concerns around the high number of
   assisted voters which include comprehensive voter education targeting vulnerable communities and/or
   groups on the importance of the secrecy of the vote and their rights in relation to assisted voting.
3. We urge the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to release information about the voter turnout of these
   recently held by-elections.
4. We urge Zimbabweans who are registered to vote to patriotically and religiously turnout to cast their vote whenever an election is called for in their registered constituency, ward and polling station. Such a democratic and political right must be exercised as often as is possible to protect and promote electoral democracy principle and practise.

For more information
ERC Chairperson
Trust Maanda
+263 77 2432646
ERC Executive Director
Babra Ontibile Bhebe
+263 77 396 3785
information@erczim.org
https://ercafrica.org
Twitter: @ercafrica