28 Jul 2018
NANGO commends the nation for the peaceful environment that has been prevailing ahead of the 2018 plebiscite although there are incidences of politically motivated violence that have been highlighted in some parts of the country. We urge the nation to exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful manner. NANGO upholds that elections give the general citizenry an opportunity to participate in democratic processes through exercising their rights. In this regard, NANGO through its membership contributes towards the creation of an enabling environment that allows for a democratic process to be undertaken in a free, fair and peaceful environment thereby enhancing the credibility of the election outcome.
As part of a strategy of fostering sustainable peace, NANGO have been engaging key stakeholders along the governance value chain. In this regard, NANGO membership developed the Green Paper Series, which is a compendium of critical issues for consideration by key actors such as political parties, independent candidates, independent commissions, general citizenry, donor community and civil society amongst others.
NANGO engaged ZANU PF, MDC Alliance, People’s Democratic Party, MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube, Zimbabwe African People’s Union, Mthwakazi Republic Party, and Alliance for People’s Agenda as well as independent candidates. Furthermore, NANGO also engaged Independent Commissions notably, National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Gender Commission. NANGO also made an endeavour to engage ZEC, MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe and the People’s Rainbow Coalition but the meetings did not take place owing to other pressing commitments by stakeholders.
The key issues for consideration and further reflections with pivotal governance actors included the following:
All political parties and candidates made commitments to free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. They pledged to preach and practice the tenets of peace within their parties. This is the environment that we respect and acknowledge as NANGO, which sets a solid foundation for sustainable economic, social and political development.
NANGO observed that political parties were highly committed to the electoral process and the openness of democratic space that allowed for political parties to campaign freely. Political parties appreciated the invitation of international observers as it signifies commitment to transparency in holding elections. However, the political landscape was not uniform as independent candidates in some instances were hindered from accessing the electorate with some state institutions requesting them to get clearance to access the electorate.
A striking issue across all political parties is the low representation of women as candidates at all levels. This is against the background that Zimbabwe has a National Gender Policy which seeks to achieve a gender just society where men and women enjoy equality and equity and participate as equal partners in the development process of the country. In addition, Zimbabwe is signatory to protocols that promote gender equality in all facets of development such as SADC Gender Protocol, Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and Beijing Platform of Action among others. Therefore, low representation of women in positions of authority continues to marginalise the key development aspects and voice of women. In view of the above NANGO envisions an improved political environment that allows for the meaningful participation of women in electoral processes.
Political parties and candidates bemoaned vote buying and use of public resources to influence voters. For instance, the use of constituency development fund, presidential input scheme and command agriculture were viewed as instruments to lure votes for some political parties.
NANGO is concerned that Independent Commissions need to instill confidence of Zimbabweans in national processes. However, the credibility of these institutions is enhanced by their transparency and accountability in the way they discharge their mandates. In particular, the credibility of elections is questioned by political parties, candidates civil society and general members of the public.
It is worth noting that after engagements with these stakeholders NANGO observed improvements in a number of the key demands that were presented to them. This is encouraging as it testifies that dialogue and engagement with stakeholders is a key instrument to influence in a positive way critical national processes.
NANGO calls on the electorate to go and exercise their right to vote on Monday 30 July 2018 as we elect into office the president, members of parliament and councillors who are going to be governing us for the next five years. The electorate is also reminded to uphold peace and tranquillity pre, during and post-election day. Remember, your vote is your right.
To the political parties and candidates, NANGO urges you to call upon your supporters to exercise their political rights in a peaceful manner and desist from using hate speech and intimidating those holding divergent views.
NANGO implores all Independent Commissions to diligently execute their mandate to enhance constitutionalism by promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions as well as entrenching human rights and democracy during these elections.
We pray that Zimbabwe emerges stronger, unified and prosperous after the 2018 harmonised elections.
NANGO is an apolitical, non-profit making and non-denominational umbrella body of NGOs in Zimbabwe, founded in 1962. NANGO promotes a proactive community of NGOs that are responsive and committed to the sustainable development needs of all people in Zimbabwe and the full realization of human rights, democracy, good governance and poverty alleviation.
Presented by Wadzanayi Vere, NANGO Board Chairperson and Head of Mission of the NANGO Election Observation Mission on 28 July 2018.
