2.4 Electoral Reform
In August 2004, ZESN, together with EISA, successfully hosted a regional meeting
on electoral reforms that was attended by representatives of electoral commissions,
civil society and political parties from all SADC countries.
ZESN, through its Research and Advocacy Programme has greatly contributed
towards electoral reform. It lobbied towards the adoption of the SADC Principles and
Guidelines, which have now become a reality. ZESN has provided a platform for
discussing electoral related issues as a way of nurturing our growing democracy.
As a measure of credibility and professionalism of ZESN members and its staff, the
network has been invited to observe elections in the region and beyond e.g. Nigeria,
South Africa, Guyana, Indonesia, Croatia, Malawi and Lesotho etc. We have also
been invited to present papers at numerous international fora.
3.THE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTION, DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
The observation of human rights and the rule of law, democracy and good
governance are basic fundamental values that are enshrined within the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, The African Union Treaty, SADC Treaty and our own
Constitution. These are enunciated below:
3.1 INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
Zimbabwe acceded to ICCPR on 13 May 1991. Article 25 states that every citizen
shall have the right and opportunity without unreasonable restrictions to take part in
the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representation and to
have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.
In essence the instrument recognises the importance of citizens participating fully in
the conduct of public affairs of their country. It is also important that restrictions
should be reasonable .The NGO Bill would cause unnecessary restrictions in that
people would have limited representatives whom they can participate through.
Participation in elections must be free and to achieve that end there is need for
impartial organisations to observe and disseminate information on elections. There is
also a need for society to have platforms where if there is an abrogation of human
rights, the necessary reports are made. There is therefore a need for the state to
show genuine need for the promotion of human rights.
3.2 AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS (ACHPR)
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