4.1.2. Strategic Goal 2: Promoting informed citizen participation in electoral processes Objective To sensitise the general population on their human rights during elections periods. Context Past elections in Zimbabwe have been characterised by violations of human rights before, during and after elections such as the rights to freedom of assembly, association, expression; the right to participate in elections; and the right to information. Whilst efforts have been directed towards awareness on human rights in general, little effort has been directed towards human rights awareness during elections. There is limited understanding of voter’s rights during the electoral process. The net effect of human rights violations during the election period is a reduction in citizen participation in elections as well as reduced confidence in the electoral process. In its end of year report 2015 Zimbabwe Peace Project noted: ‘By and large Freedom of Assembly and Association; Freedom to Demonstrate; Freedom of Expression; Equality and Non-discrimination; as well as the socio-economic rights of citizens were violated with impunity left right and centre’12. Over the years, voter turnout in Zimbabwe has slowly decreased from the high 94% in 1980 when support for democracy was at its peak. In 1985, it was still high at 84% but by 1990 it had dipped to 47%. Even in 2000 when there was increased competition on the electoral field, voter turnout was only 52%. In 2008 it had dropped to 45.53% and saw a slight increase to 54, 24% per cent13 in 2013. This is very low compared to the Southern Africa regional average of 80% of the registered voters. This points to high levels of voter apathy and to probably low levels of confidence in the electoral process. 14 The strategy is aimed at increasing awareness on human rights during the elections thereby increasing participation in the electoral process. A core responsibility of the Commission is to promote awareness of and respect for human rights and freedoms at all levels of society to contribute towards a universal culture of upholding human rights and this includes awareness of rights during elections periods. The electoral authorities are primarily responsible for informing people of their right to vote and of the procedures for voter registration and for voting. The Commission can encourage electoral authorities to perform these responsibilities effectively. ZHRC does not have the primary responsibility for voter education, that is, for educating potential voters about the political and electoral systems and about how to vote Activities The awareness campaign will typically address voter motivations and ability to make informed choices. This includes relatively more complex types of information about voting and the electoral processes, and is concerned with concepts such as:         The right to vote The right to stand for election The right and opportunity, without any distinction or unreasonable restrictions, for citizens to participate in government and public affairs through periodic genuine elections Link between basic human rights and voting rights; Role, responsibilities and rights of voters; The right to a secret ballot; Importance of each vote and its impact on public accountability. The freedom of expression, association, assembly, movement, freedom from discrimination during the electoral period. 12 End of year report 2015 Zimbabwe Peace Project strategic planning and organisational development for the Zimbabwe Election Support Network: 2014 14 Survey on Voter Registration and related election issues in Zimbabwe: Summary of Results: Prepared by E V Masunungure, Stephen Ndoma, Heather Koga and Richman Kokera (April 2015) Data used was from a nationally representative survey (sample size = 1200) drawn using 2012 population census figures 13 16 | P a g e