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ERC Africa Calls on the Electoral Commission of Namibia to Engage Stakeholders and Address the Disputes Surrounding the Namibian Election

The Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC Africa) takes note of the Namibian General Elections held on the 27th of November 2024, and is concerned by the growing disputes around the conduct of the elections and the subsequent announcement of the election results. In light of these disputes the ERC Africa calls on the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to take reasonable and tangible steps, beyond the legally mandated, to address the concerns raised by political parties and other stakeholders in relation to the Namibia election. 

Free, fair and credible elections are the essence of representative democracy. The credibility of elections is essential to the legitimacy of elections. The ERC Africa seeks to remind stakeholders that the concept of credible, free and fair elections continues to evolve. Free, fair and credible is no longer limited to an assessment of adherence to the legal framework alone. Elections must not only be conducted freely, fairly and credibly, but they must be perceived as free, fair and credible to get acceptance.  With the increasing disputes around the conduct of the Namibian General election, addressing the concerns raised by political parties and other stakeholders is now paramount to how the elections will be perceived. 

ERC Africa understands that disputed elections have far-reaching consequences for any nation. Disputed elections have the potential to erode public confidence in elections and in the Electoral Commission, negatively impacting on voter turnout and participation. Disputed elections have the propensity to polarise society and in its worst form can escalate to violence as seen in Mozambique. Further, economic prospects can be dampened or amplified if elections as a governance measure are not deemed credible and their outcomes unsustainable. 

While the ERC Africa takes note of existing mechanisms that redress election-related disputes, we urge the Namibian Government to harness alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address concerns raised. ERC Africa seeks to remind the Namibian Government of their commitment under Article 13 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) to “take measures to ensure and maintain political and social dialogue, as well as public trust and transparency between political leaders and the people, in order to consolidate democracy and peace.”

For more information

ERC Chairperson

Trust Maanda

+263 77 2432646 

ERC Executive Director

Babra Ontibile Bhebe

+263 77 396 3785

information@erczim.org

ERC Africa joins the world in commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a crucial international campaign that sheds light on the devastating impact of violence against women and girls. Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC) rightly acknowledges that in the context of elections, violence against women undermines the very foundations of a free and fair electoral environment. Gender Based Violence not only jeopardizes the integrity of electoral processes but also discourages women from participating in elections, thereby silencing their voices. GBV is a major obstacle to women’s political participation and, by extension, democracy.

The Consequences of Violence against Women in Elections:

• Dissuading Women from Participating: Violence against women in elections is often used as a targeted and destructive tool to dissuade women from participating as candidates, election administrators, or voters.
• Undermining Electoral Integrity: Violence in elections promotes exclusion of women which then compromises the integrity of electoral processes, making it challenging to ensure free and fair elections.
• Silencing Women’s Voices: By discouraging women from participating in elections, violence against women in elections silences their voices and perspectives, undermining democracy.

It’s essential to recognize the severity of this issue and work collectively to prevent violence against women in elections, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in the electoral process. Zimbabwe must enact necessary legal and political reforms to guarantee equal and full participation of women and all vulnerable groups for credible election processes

For more information:

ERC Chairperson

Trust Maanda

+263 77 2432646  

ERC Director 

Babra Bhebe

+263 77 396 3785

information@erczim.org

Twitter: @ercafrica

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.