By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
A majority 62.43 percent believe that Zimbabwe Election Commission is impartial to conduct delimitation, however to enhance transparency, citizens want engagement according to latest report by Zimbabwe Election Support Network.
The report headlined “Key Considerations for Delimitation in 2023. Final Report: Citizen Perceptions on Delimitation of Electoral Constituencies and Wards in Zimbabwe” compiled by ZESN says that 83.56 percent of citizens said ZEC should have a roadmap for the delimitation process.
Delimitation is the process of legally establishing the outer limits of a state within which full territorial or functional sovereignty is exercised.
“Nearly three in 10 (28.61 percent) said roadmap should be publicized a year before delimitation is scheduled to take place; 26.45 percent said 6 months before delimitation begins; 18.69 percent pointed out that it should be released 3 months before delimitation starts; and 116.93 percent said the roadmap has to be available a month before delimitation begins.
“A delimitation roadmap will increase transparency and make the ZEC accountable to stakeholders. From the findings citizens generally believe that ZEC should have a delimitation roadmap.
“There is need to strengthen the independence of the Commission and build trust amongst citizens, so that it is perceived as independent.
“The ZEC should consider conducting inclusive and regular meetings with stakeholders, to ensure openness of the process,” the report reads in part.
ZESN conducted a research on the delimitation of electoral boundaries from January 2019 to March 2019. The objectives of the research were to ascertain knowledge, attitudes and opinions on delimitation of constituency boundaries in Zimbabwe as well as analyse the current framework for determining and reviewing electoral boundaries in Zimbabwe.
Rindai Chipfunde Vava, ZESN national Director said: “It is important to note that delimitation is a fundamental process of the Electoral Cycle.
The importance of demarcating boundaries is to ensure fair representation of the electorate. Delimitation is a technical process hence it is important that it is understood by all stakeholders.
It is imperative that principles of the delimitation process which include, impartiality, equality of the vote, non-discrimination, representatives and transparency are embedded in the legal framework, process and procedures of delimitation of electoral boundaries” she said.
Source: Gemnation
Add comment