1. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) monitored the human rights
situation prior to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) primary elections that
had been initially scheduled for 17 May 2018. Following a notification from the ZHRC
of its intention to monitor the primary elections, the Secretary General of the MDC-T
advised the ZHRC that the primary elections would be held on 17 May 2018. As a
result the ZHRC deployed teams around the country on 14 May 2018. The elections
were to select candidates to represent the party in national elections in the following
categories: Council, National Assembly, Senate and Provincial Council Elections.
The Secretary General of the MDC-T advised the ZHRC of the MDC-T party
consensus building meetings in the 10 Provinces of Zimbabwe. As part of its
constitutional mandate, the ZHRC deployed teams nationwide in order to fulfill the
obligation to monitor and observe the general human rights situation in the country
with particular focus on political rights and to monitor and record any human rights
related matters which could occur before the party primaries.
2. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
Zimbabwe has no legislative framework on the running of political party primary
elections and other activities. The Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] guides the running of
national elections. The ZHRC was guided by the following national, regional and
international instruments that provide a basis for the holding of free and fair elections:
2.1. Constitution of Zimbabwe, (Amendment No. 20 of 2013)
Section 67 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the political rights of every
citizen, that is, the right to free, fair and regular elections and to make political choices
freely.
2.2. SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, 2014
The Guidelines provide that member states have an obligation to ensure the
transparency and integrity of the entire electoral process by facilitating the deployment
of representatives of political parties and individual candidates at polling and counting
stations and by accrediting national and other observers/monitors.
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