These workshops are inspired by the realization and the keening imperative that Zimbabweans in the Diaspora should have the right to vote as it is a fundamental right to express or participate in how they are governed. About 4 million Zimbabweans live in the Diaspora and lack of inclusion of such a large proportion undermines the fundamental principles of inclusivity and participation with the potential of undermining the credibility and legitimacy of the next referendum and elections in Zimbabwe.
ZEF believes that while the government is keen for Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to invest and rebuild the country, it is important for them to participate fully in all country’s national programmes. Diaspora voting has recently been implemented successfully in South Africa and Mozambique henceforth there is no reason why it should not be implemented in Zimbabwe not only in these upcoming elections but also in the referendum such that it becomes a constitutionally protected right.
The Bloemfontein workshop was addressed by among others Gabriel Shumba (Executive Director) and Michael Majuru (Retired Judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe and ZEF Board Member). The workshop resolved that ZEF has to take the lead together with other Diaspora formations to ensure that the demand for the Diaspora vote which was articulated in ZEF’s submissions to the constitutional Parliamentary Committee should be raised again with Zimbabwe’s parties, principals, negotiators and facilitators in the Global Political Agreement.