Here is why it is impossible for Mnangagwa to proclaim elections in May

Here is why it is impossible for Mnangagwa to proclaim elections in May #ElectionsZW

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will not be able to fulfill his promise of proclaiming election dates in May. This is due to Section 157(5) of the Constitution. 

Section (157.5) says “After an election has been called, no change to the Electoral Law or to any other law relating to elections has effect for the purpose of that election.”

Currently, the government is in the process of working on the Electoral Amendment Bill.

The Bill is in the Committee Stage in the National Assembly, and Parliament is adjourned to the 30th of May.

This means the Bill has to pass through the Committee Stage. Then go to the Third Reading before being transmitted to the Senate.

In the Senate, the Bill will start from Second Reading Stage, then go to the Committee Stage. And then the Third Reading before being transmitted to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to sign into law. 

This cannot happen before the end of May (31 May 2023).

Electoral Amendment Bill is key for 2023 elections

The significance of the Electoral Amendment Bill to the 2023 General election is that it contains the calculations that will be used to allocate the proportional representation seats for women in local authorities. It will also be used for the 10 youth seats, among others.

These provisions are products of the controversial Constitution Amendment No.2. of 2021

The Electoral Amendment Bill must, therefore, become law (an Act) before the proclamation can be gazetted. 

Zimbabwe is expected to hold general elections by 26 August, according to the constitution. This is the date at which President Emmerson Mnangagwa whose government officials such as Uebert Angel have been implicated in the Al Jazeera Gold Mafia documentary comes to an end.

This is despite efforts by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora to stop the election on the basis of a flawed Delimitation Report. Mwonzora has had his application thrown away by the courts and has since launched an appeal.

Meanwhile, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has struggled with its candidate selection process which has been marred by shortcomings and lack of clarity. Nelson Chamisa leads CCC.

Here is why it is impossible for Mnangagwa to proclaim elections in May #ElectionsZW