Commissions Watch 6 August 2018 [ZHRC Preliminary Election Monitoring Report 23 - 31 July 2018]
PARTISAN FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The ZHRC before the election, carried out investigations on partisan food distribution and made
recommendations to the relevant stakeholders. The same trend continued in a number of
constituencies with the ZHRC receiving reports and observing partisan distribution of
Presidential Input program in 9 constituencies. Some of the constituencies where ZHRC
witnessed partisan distribution of food were at Munyoro business centre, Chikomba East, Ward
23 in Macheke, Murehwa South constituency, Hwedza South, Masvingo North (Zaka North
West and Central, Ward 32);Matebeleland North (Tshino Ward 6, and 3) Matebeleland South
(Sigola, Siphezini and Esigodini in Umzingwane Constituency), Gokwe Central Constituency, in
Ndlalambi, Ward 20, where mostly rice was being distributed at ZANU PE gatherings at the
exclusion of the general needy public.
CAMPAIGN RALLIES AND USE OF HATE SPEECH
The ZHRC attended rallies called by the different political parties across all the 10 provinces.
These were generally held peacefully with a few cases of electoral malpractices. The ZHRC
however, noted that in some instances, the use of hate speech and songs carrying hate
messages were part and parcel of campaign rallies. As has been highlighted this affects the way
that parties relate to each other and has the potential of causing violence. In some instances,
the hate speech, was viewed by the ZHRC as toxic, especially to the female candidates and ZEC
Chairperson.
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED
A total of 76 complaints were recorded by ZHRC monitors who were in the field as well as
through hotlines and toll- free lines. The ZHRC received cases from individuals who complained
of intimidation, threats and physical violence. Whilst every effort is being made to investigate
the cases received, the ZHRC remains concerned with the sheer numbers of allegations which
should not arise in a democratic and peaceful nation that Zimbabwe is.
OVERVIEW OF THE ELECTION DAY
The right to vote in accordance with section 67 of the Constitution is an important tenet of
democracy. The ZHRC congratulates ZEC for holding the elections throughout the country and
for opening up the process, in the spirit of transparency, to both local and foreign observers.
The elections were held peacefully throughout the country.
For the improvement of future elections, the ZHRC wishes to highlight the following
shortcomings noted on election day. Some of the provinces reported cases of general
disorganisation on the part of the electoral management body with some polling stations
missing and voters having to be redirected. Some polling stations did not have adequate
lighting especially in tents which slowed the voting process. The process was slow with some
voters having to wait for up to 3hours to cast their vote. Opening, closing of polls and counting
ballots was in accordance with the Electoral Act. The right to vote should be enjoyed by all
Zimbabweans including special interest groups such as women, the elderly and women with
babies. It was noted that this group was made to vote first which was commendable on the part
of ZEC. However, the ZHRC noted that as raised in its previous monitoring reports, some of the
venues were not accessible to persons with disabilities and the elderly. It was observed there
were steep steps at some school voting venues.
There was a visible absence of female candidates, in violation of the Zimbabwean Constitution
provision on gender equality, as well as SADC Protocol on Gender providing for the 50-50 parity