Constitutional Commissions
Under the Present Constitution
Four constitutional commissions are established by the Zimbabwean Constitution:
• the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
• the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission
• the Zimbabwe Media Commission
• the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
Appointment of Constitutional Commissions
Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission consists of a chairperson and 8 other members all
appointed by the President. In the case of the chairperson, the appointment is made
after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and the Parliamentary
Committee on Standing Rules and Orders [CSRO]. The other 8 members of the
Commission are appointed by the President from a list of at least 12 nominees
submitted by the CSRO. The only limitations on who may be appointed are: the
chairperson to be a judge or former judge of the Supreme Court or High Court, or a
person qualified to be such a judge; and, that at least 4 members, apart from the
chairperson must be women.
Anti-Corruption Commission
This consists of at least 4, but not more than 9 members, appointed by the President
“in consultation with” (not “after consultation with”) the CSRO. Qualifications are
laid down, in that there must be one legal practitioner, one accountant and one
person with at least 10 years’ experience in the investigation of crime.
Media Commission
The Media Commission consists of a chairperson and 8 other members, appointed by
the President from a list of at least 12 nominees submitted by the CRSO. Appointees
must be chosen for their knowledge of and experience in the press, print or electronic
media, or broadcasting.
Human Rights Commission
The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission is appointed by the President after
consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and the CRSO. The chairperson
must have been qualified as a legal practitioner for at least 5 years. The other 8
members of the Commission (at least 4 of whom must be women) are appointed by
the President from a list of 16 nominees submitted by the CRSO. The only
qualification for the members is that they should have knowledge of and experience
in the promotion of social justice or the protection of human rights and freedoms.
If the appointment of a chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is
not consistent with any recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, the
President must cause the Senate to be informed as soon as practicable. The
Constitution is silent about what the Senate can do in this situation.
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