Promoting Democratic Consolidation in Africa – ERC Africa Day Press Statement.

May 25th marks Africa Day, commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. The day honors the organisation’s key objectives; decolonisation, unity and solidarity among African nations, and the pursuit of continental economic development.

As an organization committed to promoting electoral credibility, integrity, and democracy in Africa, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) Africa proudly recognises and celebrates the significance of Africa Day. For us at ERC Africa, this day is a powerful symbol of the continent’s independence, sovereignty, and self-determination. The day also serves as a call to action for Africa, to strengthen our collective commitment to achieving credible, free, and fair elections.

While Africa has made positive progress in advancing democratic governance, the journey remains challenged by persistent obstacles. As we commemorate Africa Day, we are reminded that the quality of our elections directly shapes the quality of our democracy, highlighting the urgent need to ensure credibility, transparency, and integrity in our electoral processes. 

As we take time to celebrate this day, ERC Africa reaffirms its commitment to promoting and advocating for democratic, credible, and transparent elections. We call on African leaders to prioritise reforms that strengthen democratic institutions and foster meaningful participation. 

Let us build a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Africa. 

For Africa, by Africans. HAPPY AFRICA DAY Africa… 

For more information

ERC Chairperson

Trust Maanda

+263 77 2432646  

ERC Director 

Babra Bhebe

bbhebe@erczim.org

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

The Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC) joins the nation in commemorating the 45th
Independence Day, on the 18th of April 2025 running under the theme “ Zim @45: Devolve
and Develop Together, Towards Vision 2030”, marking Zimbabwe’s independence from
colonial rule in 1980.

Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day, is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by our
national heroes who fought tirelessly for our liberation and right to self-determination. These
brave individuals risked their lives to ensure we have a voice in shaping our nation’s future
through the power of voting. One man, one vote was one of the demands for freedom.
As we reflect on our journey since independence, we recognize the progress made in various
sectors, including education and tourism. However, we also acknowledge the challenges that
have hindered our growth, such as corruption, economic instability and human rights
infringements. The ERC urges Zimbabweans to take this opportunity to reflect on the
contributions of our fallen heroes and to exercise their right to vote, shaping the future of our
nation.

Recommendations
To Government –
Prioritize Electoral Reforms: There is a need to work politically, legislatively and
administratively to promote the holding of credible and transparent electoral
processes, while adhering to national and international standards and best practices.
Sufficient reforms require timely interventions to avoid haphazard or half-baked
reforms at the 11th hour.

Encourage active citizen participation in national development processes, particularly
among women and marginalized groups. Public consultations and hearings are such
avenues that require strengthening as well as demonstrating that their input is
reflected in national priorities, policies, programs, projects and governance processes.
Strengthen institutions and mechanisms for holding public officials accountable,
promoting good governance and accountability. The separation of powers principle is
crucial to provide sufficient checks and balances that enables the state to deliver in
light of the aspirations of the people.

To Citizens
-Continue to hold government officials and elected leaders to account, chasing after
the promises made during campaigning season.
-Call the government to implement electoral reforms well ahead of the 2028
Harmonized elections.
-Disengagement and or apathy is retrogressive and undermines the concept of
citizenship.

As we celebrate 45 years of independence, the ERC reaffirms its commitment to promoting
democracy, transparency and accountability in Zimbabwe. Happy Independence Day,
Zimbabwe and Happy Holidays!

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

GLENVIEW SOUTH – VOTER POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS

Voters born after independence make up the majority of voters in Glenview South Constituency.

As Glenview South constituency prepares for the upcoming by-election on 12 April 2025, understanding the voter population demographics is crucial in assessing potential electoral trends and outcomes. ERC highlights the voter demographics in Glenview South constituency per generation. 

Glenview South constituency voters born after independence, Millennials and Generation Z, aged 18 to 44, make up the majority of voters for the Glenview South Constituency by-election scheduled for 12 April 2025 at approximately 65.1% of the registered voters in the constituency. Signifying a generational shift in the demographics of voters in Zimbabwe in line with general population trends where Millennials and Generation Z’s have become the largest population bloc in Zimbabwe. 

• Generation Z born between 1997–2012 (aged 18-28 years) make up 17.4% of the voting population
• Millennials born between 1981–1996 (aged 29-44 years) make up 47.7% of the voting population
• Generation X born between 1965–1980 (aged 45-59 years) make up 25.9% of the voting population
• Baby Boomers born between 1946–1964 (aged 60-74 years) make up 8% of the voting population
• Silent Generation born between 1928–1945 (aged (75+ years) make up 1% of the voting population

The different set of circumstances in which Millennials and Generation Z’s have approached adulthood, as compared to previous generations Generation X’s, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generations could highlight some of the varied voting patterns between the generations, especially in urban constituencies such as Glenview South. Glenview South is a high-density urban constituency, with a significant proportion of young residents. The dominance of Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and the growing presence of Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) align with Zimbabwe’s national demographic trends, where over 60% of the population is under the age of 35.

Access to Information

The age group demographics of the voter population in Glenview South constituency could also be a key determinant in how each generation accesses political information and how candidates campaign. Generally, older voters (Silent Generation & Baby Boomers) tend to rely on traditional media like radio, newspapers, and community discussions, while Generation X blends print, radio, and digital sources like Facebook and WhatsApp. Millennials and Generation Z, the largest and most digitally active groups, consume news through social media platforms such as Twitter/X, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp as per previous Pre-Election Surveys. 

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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! 

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