The desire for electoral reforms also calls for public participation in the
whole process. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs, has held wide consultation on electoral reforms in to
get the views of the stakeholders through public hearings. The Committee
analysed the views after which a report was tabled before the House. The
aim of such a process is to ensure that there is input of all stakeholders in the
electoral reform process, which is acceptable to all interested parties.
Implications of Electoral Reform
There are a number of factors, which have to be taken into consideration
when conducting electoral reforms, such as:
❖ The priorities of the nation
❖ The cost and administrative implications
❖ The socio-political context
❖ The electoral system
❖ International and Regional Standards
Priorities of the Nation
Electoral reforms should be considered within the broader social, political
and economic environment. For example, certain sections of the
Zimbabwean community have been advocating for constitutional reform.
While this is a noble idea, the nation has other pressing needs, which are of
paramount importance. In this case Parliament can act as a watchdog, to see
to it that the current electoral laws are creating an enabling environment for
transparent, free and fair elections.
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