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Writes Lovemore Chazingwa
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), has released its latest comprehensive August 2023 election calendar for accurate guidance and planning purposes for all stakeholders.
The roadmap is fed from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa issuing Statutory Instrument 85 of 2023 in terms of Section 144 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The roadmap indicates that after polling on August 23, fully compiled results are expected five days later. The timeline began with the publication of polling stations countrywide on August 2. A day later, the National Council of Chiefs was duly elected. ZEC indicated that it closed receiving postal ballots six days later, on August 9.
August 10 witnessed the election of the president and the deputy of the National Council of Chiefs.
After this leg of proceedings, a second Briefing of Observers was held on August 14 which coincided with Heroes Day Holiday. Dispatch of postal votes is meant for two days later which is also the last day for submission of names for roving agents.
August 18 comes in on the publication of printed ballot papers followed by the closure of receipt of applications for observer accreditation the proceeding day.
Political party-affiliated and independent candidates can then notify constituency poll officers of the full names and addresses of their appointed election agents.
On the eve of election day, all campaigns cease.
The day immediately after elections is dedicated to the election of two Senate chiefs. Two days are set aside for election results collation, August 25 and 27.
The election of people with disabilities representatives is sandwiched between the two election results collation days. The announcement of proportional representation at all levels brings the curtain down on the chronology of events for the month on August 31.
If it becomes necessary, a run-off is earmarked for October 2, this year.
Election expert, Collen Chibango summed it all up thus, “Election processes are hinged on transparency and accountability. The steps ZEC is taking, in particular the road map, are good in that regard. However, it is only one element of many towards free, fair, and credible elections. ZEC must be on top of the situation regards the campaign environment, vote buying, access to media, and voter education among many others.”