Through constitutional amendments raises dust
pendence of Zec.
“The proposed amendments do the opposite of that.” Political analysts also expressed fears over the potential impact on transparency and independence of Zec in handling electoral processes.
Another political analyst Vivid Gwede said the alterations could significantly undermine transparency in the voter registration process and the handling of the voters’ roll.
“The proposed change will undercut transparency in the voter registration process and handling of the voters’ roll,” Gwede said.
“It is taking away the process from an independent commission to appointees of the incumbent government in the civil service.
“For instance, the appointment process of Zec is specifically meant to be open and transparent. The changes will reverse progress in electoral management.”
Romeo Chasara, a political analyst said the proposed changes could erode public trust in electoral processes.
“The proposed changes risk politicising the appointment process of electoral institutions, which could also undermine their independence and impartiality,” Chasara said.
“Any measures that compromise transparency and fairness in the electoral process could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of future elections and the overall democratic stability of the country.”
Efforts to get a comment from Information ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana were fruitless as his number went unanswered.
Zanu PF director of information Farai Marapira refused to comment on the matter and referred The Standard to Mangwana.
Some critics have said that the proposed changes are part of a wider plot by Mnangagwa to extend his rule if he manages to railroad changes to the constitution on presidential term limits.
Under the country’s laws, Mnangagwa is serving his second and last term.
However, indications are that Mnangagwa has started pushing for a third term through his loyalists.
Zanu Pf enjoys a two third majority to make legislation, but any idea of a third term needs a national referendum.
With Mnangagwa facing charges of running down the economy and driving millions into poverty, sources say the president feared he may not get support through a referendum.
Sources there are attempts to by-pass the referendum through some changes to the law that do not need a national plebiscite.
In 2021, Zanu PF used its parliamentary majority to approve legislation removing a clause in the constitution on electing vice presidents, a move which critics said was intended by Mnangagwa to concentrate power in the presidency.
Parliament also extended the tenure of senior judges, who are appointed by the president in consultation with the judicial service commission, instead of being subjected to public interviews as was the case.
In 2013, Zimbabweans voted for a new constitution including a clause stipulating that the vice-president should be elected together with the president.
The clause was, however, suspended for 10 years in a compromise between the ruling party and the opposition.
“The constitution has already been amended twice, in the short span of ten years, with Amendment No. 2 alone introducing 23 changes,” Zesn said.
“Zesn believes there should be restraint in continually or heavily altering the constitution, stability and continuity of Zec in executing the 2013 roles is of great necessity."