THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Mr. Speaker Sir, ZEC is an election management body established in terms of Section 238 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Its main function is to prepare for, conduct, supervise all elections and referendums in Zimbabwe.
The year under review saw the successful conduct of the harmonised elections, by-elections and the conclusion of the delimitation exercise in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In addition, all vacant proportional representation seats in the National Assembly and local authorities were filled in terms of the law. The Commission was allocated ZWL896 billion to support the electoral processes of which ZWL664 billion, that is 74%, was accessed. With a full complement of Commissioners, 2023 saw the Commission meeting six times in line with the provision of the law and in addition, the Commission recruited 66 new employees, with 44 females; 40% being females and 60% being males. While maximising on 14 languages out of 16 which are enshrined in the Constitution, the Commission made use of various methods and media platforms to provide electoral related information to the masses. Voter registration played a pivotal role in as far as inclusion is concerned within the electoral process. With regards to voter registration, 2023 saw a total number of 705 243 voters being registered, of which 330 979 were males and 37 464 were females. The Commission conducted an annual stock take in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, Chapter 22:19 and in accordance with Section 92 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act [Chapter 22:23]. The Commission also disposed obsolete assets and equipment which included vehicles and furniture among other things and realised a total of USD168 000. The Commission also conducted renovations at its Head Office, Provincial District Offices as well as warehouse. Finally, during the year under review, the Commission participated at various international events. These events are important for knowledge sharing and benchmarking of electoral standards. So, I submit.
HON. G. SITHOLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. The report has not been shared. We have not received it, so maybe it will not be possible for us to debate it now.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I am advised that it was shared, please check your email addresses. The report should have been circulated electronically.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to. Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
