Zimbabwe: AU urged to push Zimbabwe on electoral reforms

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Statement

AU: Push Zimbabwe to Implement Adequate Electoral Reforms Ahead of Fresh Elections
Addis Ababa, 26 January 2011

Sham elections across Africa have been a major cause of insecurity, instability and violent conflict; recent examples include Kenya, Zimbabwe and Ivory Coast. The Africa Union (AU) must be robust and resolute in promoting shared values and best practices in the management of elections for purposes of political stability, good governance and sustainable socio-economic development.

The AU’s condemnation of Ivory Coast’s election fraud is a commendable first step that must be backed by appropriate action. The same approach should be applied to all national electoral processes in Africa, including in Zimbabwe where recent elections, notably the 2008 plebiscite was marred by extreme violence and intimidation. Following those elections, the AU and the Southern African Development Corporation (SADC) underwrote an agreement under which Zimbabwe’s political leaders formed a power-sharing government in February 2009 aimed at paving way for transparent, free and fair elections.

As representatives of Zimbabwe’s civil society, we are convinced that at present, the country has not carried out sufficient institutional and legislative reforms to enable the country to hold credible elections free of violence and intimidation. We ask that the AU takes the following actions on Zimbabwe:

1. The AU and SADC should conduct independent investigations in Zimbabwe to establish whether the necessary conditions exist, and the environment is conducive to holding transparent, free and fair elections, before a new poll can be called. Fresh elections should, therefore, only be announced after the AU and SADC have cleared them.
2. Push for key reforms that must be undertaken ahead of fresh elections which include the establishment of a new democratic constitution, media freedoms, an up-to-date voters’ roll, an adequately resourced, independent and impartial electoral management body, and mechanisms to prevent violence and intimidation before, during and after elections.
3. Together with SADC, ensure that Zimbabwe enforces constitutional civilian control over the army and the security forces to prevent interference with electoral processes and to ensure democratic transfer of power. At present the infrastructure of violence, that includes the youth militia, war veterans and a partisan security force, remains unreformed adversely affecting the most vulnerable groups including women, children, the disabled, the elderly and the youth.
4. Ensure that SADC supervises fresh Zimbabwe elections which the AU and other international groups vigorously observe and monitor. Deployment of election monitors should be at least six months before elections with monitors remaining on the ground at least three months after the elections.
5. Provide technical, administrative and other assistance to Zimbabwe aimed at developing and strengthening its electoral institutions and processes.

Contacts in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe:
1. Mr. Phillip Pasirayi, Spokesperson, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition: email: [email][email protected]
Mobile Number: +251 922 331 649
2. Mr. Dewa Mavhinga, Regional Coordinator, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition: [email][email protected]
Mobile Number: +251 922 331 650
3. Mr. McDonald Lewanika, Director, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition: [email][email protected]
Mobile Number: +263 772127398