VUMBA Institutions and infrastructure that support violence such as the youth militia, war veterans and a partisan security force remain unreformed and therefore a threat to democratic elections.
This came out at a conference convened here last week by the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), which brought together various organizations to deliberate electoral issues in light of the possible referendum on the new constitution and elections in 2011.
Participants deliberated on Zimbabwes preparedness for a referendum and elections in which they noted that the environment was not conducive for holding democratic elections.
In a joint statement released after the conference the civil society groups said: The safety of human rights defenders and activists remains an issue of concern as this curtails the oversight function of civic society.
The various organizations and partners working on elections also noted that the failure by Government of National Unit (GNU) to repeal repressive legislation such as the Public Order Security Act (POSA), the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Broadcasting Services Act showed that Zimbabwe was not prepared for
a referendum and holding of democratic elections.
These Acts have restricted peoples civil liberties and freedoms of expression and association and they are inimical to the holding of free and fair elections. The political environment remains highly volatile, uncertain, and tense. The polarized environment-does not favour holding of elections as violence would most likely erupt, said the civil society groups.
SADC should ensure a non violent, free and fair election that respects the will of the people of Zimbabwe, they added.
In addition, there is need for complete overhaul and restructuring of ZEC secretariat with a view to reform the institution into a professional body that is non-partisan. ZEC should be in charge of all electoral processes including voter registration and control, compile and update of voters rolls.
They emphasised that the present environment did not provide a conducive environment for the holding of democratic elections.
Post published in: News