Non Government Organisations (NGOs) have raised their displeasure in the fees gazetted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for candidate nomination and observers.
The government gazetted Statutory Instrument 143/2022 and 144/2022 which require Presidential candidates to folk out US$ 20000, Members of Parliament US$1000, Senate and local council US$100 and observers between US$100 and US$400.
Think tank Election Resource Centre (ERC) says the price increases by Electoral Body do not seem to consider the importance of ensuring access to electoral processes by all citizens of Zimbabwe.
Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) says while ZEC released the information early to provide ample time for preparation by aspiring candidates and political parties, the amounts are beyond the reach of many aspiring women leaders.
ERC says while the Electoral Body is within the confines of the law in increasing presidential and parliamentary nomination fees, the price increase has a bearing on electoral participation.
“Key and pressing electoral reforms remain outstanding and must be quickly addressed,” the Think Tank says.
“ZEC’s focus should be on promoting electoral participation instead of introducing measures that hinder participation.”
“More so, the Commission should prioritize electoral reforms that improve the quality, conduct and outcome of elections,” ERC says.
WALPE says the ZEC charges are not only deterrent to aspiring women leaders, but are also unrealistic as they are not a true reflection of the current economic situation.
“This (charges) may further give rise to cases of abuse and sexual harassment of aspiring women leaders in exchange for payment of the fess required. This may also raise cases of corruption as candidates use unorthodox means to get the required fees for nomination and observing.” the women’s organisation says.
“Commercialisation of elections by ZEC is a gross violation of the rights to participate in electoral processes as this will disenfranchise women with disabilities and young women from partaking as candidates.”
“Currently, women, young women and women with disabilities are severely underrepresented in all leadership positions nationally occupying an average of 15% of leadership positions which is far below the requirements of sections 17, 56 and 80 of the Zimbabwean Constitution that mandate gender equality in all levels of leadership.”
ZEC Spokesperson Jasper Mangwana however defended the gazetted prices stating that those vying for public office must show commitment as the integrity of our electoral processes are not independent of the integrity of the candidates and also that practice not only in Zimbabwe.
“Surely $1000 is fair nomination price for a person vying for any of the 210 constituencies. Someone who will administer CDF (DDF) funds, represent a constituency in parliament . Those vying for public office should show commitment to their ambitions,” Mangwana said on Twitter.
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