Principals of the Political Actors Dialogue platform (POLAD) have unanimously agreed that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission bungled in its preliminary delimitation report.
The preliminary delimitation report “did not pass the test,” according to Professor Lovemore Madhuku, who read out a statement from POLAD at the Media Center.
“The Preliminary Delimitation Report does not pass the test set out in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“POLAD regards it as a failure on the part of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission,” Professor Madhuku said.
Furthermore, the pact commended the parliament Adhoc committee tasked to analyze the report for the recommendations submitted to ZEC.
“The views and concerns expressed by the Adhoc committee of Parliament in respect of the Preliminary Delimitation Report are eminently sensible and in accordance with our Constitution.
“POLAD commends the Adhoc committee of Parliament for such a sterling output,” added Madhuku.
ZEC Under Scrutiny
According to POLAD, the internal governance of ZEC comes under the microscope.
“POLAD is very much concerned about the internal governance of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
“Under our Constitution, ZEC is a corporate body consisting of nine commissioners. Under no circumstances may ZEC operate or purport to operate without the collective position of all the commissioners.
“The delimitation process cannot be the work of one or two Commissioners: there must be clear evidence that all commissioners are involved at every stage of the delimitation process. This is essential for the integrity and credibility of ZEC.
“POLAD would like to see public appearances of ZEC “Commissioners at all platforms where ZEC is either presenting to, or receiving from, the President reports relating to the delimitation process.
“ZEC must use all the remaining stages to demonstrate, in public, the involvement of all commissioners,” he added.
The principals in POLAD notes that constitution must be fully respected and that the 20% variance permitted must be correctly applied’ and that figures from census should also be taken into account.
