The Zimbabwe Election Support Network joins Zimbabwe and the World in commemorating the United Nations International Human Rights Day on this 10th day of December 2018 running under the theme “#StandUp4HumanRights’. This day comes amid revived calls by civic society and human rights institutions for multi-stakeholder efforts for the promotion and protection of people’s rights in light of global human rights abuses.
Though the 2018 harmonised elections were peaceful, a number of recommendations were made by the various regional, international and local observers and chief among them being the need for electoral reforms, particularly the need to align the Electoral Act with the Constitution. Section 67 (3) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for every Zimbabwean citizen who is of or over eighteen years old the right to vote in all elections and referendums and to do so in secret. Zimbabweans have the right to choose the leaders of their choice and we urge all responsible parties to respect, protect and uphold these rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and other international, regional instruments.
It is imperative for Government to ensure the enjoyment of human rights by citizens in light of Zimbabwe being a signatory to a number of International and Regional Human Rights instruments and protocols. ZESN therefore calls upon the parliament and ZHRC to work forthwith on the repealing of all repressive sections of laws that are inimical to the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms as well as the upholding of the universal right to vote for every Zimbabwean and this includes those is the diaspora, hospitalised or even in prison.
ZESN remains committed to promoting free and fair elections in line with international best practices and respect for human rights.
Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)