Zimbabwe
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is tasked with delimiting parliamentary constituencies (210 House of Assembly, 60 Senate) and local government wards every five years.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, 61A(1),(3), Electoral Act, 37A.
Last updated: 2008-02-08 09:02:41 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
e. Geographic size of district
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
g. Other
Comments: g. Also means of communication within the area.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Article , 61A(4),(6).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:09:52 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:14:08 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Source: The Constitution of Zimbabwe, 1980. Chapter V, Part 5 (Powers and Procedure) Section 52-53
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: The Constitution of Zimbabwe, 1980. Chapter V, Part 5 (Powers and Procedure) Section 52-53
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1980
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1980
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
a. Government (specify department)
Comments: The 2000 Constitutional Referendum was managed by the National Government with the association of the Constitutional Commission.
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
b. No
Comments: This is the task if the recently established Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network: Report on the Zimbabwe's 2005 General Election, p. 17
Last updated: 2006-10-17 11:32:31 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Source: The 1980 Constitution of Zimbabwe
Last updated: 2006-10-17 11:53:50 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 19:05:08 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Source: Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
Last updated: 2007-01-07 19:05:08 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-07 18:46:04 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Supervisory Commision
b. Full Address Zimbabwe Electoral Commission,Century House East,Sixth and Seventh Floor,Corner Nelson Mandela / Angwa Street, Harare
c. Telephone +263 475 9130/7
d. Facsimile +263 477 0660/781903
e. Email pr@zec.co.zw or voters@zec.co.zw
f. Website Address www.zimbabweelectoralcommission.org
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Chairperson Hon Justice Gorge M Chiweshe
h. Information Officer Mr Lovemore Chipunza Sekeramayi
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission web site, [www] http://www.zimbabweelectoralcommission.org/zec.co.zw/
Last updated: 2008-02-07 10:54:44 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Comments: Electoral Act shall apply to - the election of members of Parliament and elections to the office of President for the purposes of the Constitution; elections to the governing bodies of councils for the purposes of the Rural District Councils Act and the Urban Councils Act.
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 2.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 06:49:34 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: The funds of the Commission shall consist of - such funds as are appropriated to the Commission by Act of Parliament to enable it to exercise its functions.
Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act (Chapter 2:12), 9 (1)(a).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:05:22 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Comments: The estimated revenue and expenditure of the Commission shall be itemised clearly and separately in any estimates of revenue and expenditure laid before Parliament.
Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act (Chapter 2:12), 10.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:05:22 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: Five years, and a Commissioner may be appointed for a maximum of two terms.
Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act 2005, First Schedule, 1.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:05:22 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 1 billion Zimbabwe Dollars = 18,721,333 US Dollar
Last updated: 2008-02-07 10:54:44 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: In the 2000 elections, 5 288 804 voters registered out of a total voting population of 6 million (85% registered).
Last updated: 2008-01-21 14:11:12 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 3.54 US Dollars per registered voter
b. Exchange rate used 1 US Dollar (USD) = 53.41500 Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD)
Last updated: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 13:00:40 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is both head of State and Government and is directly elected by an absolute majority.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Articles 27, 28(2), [www] http://aceproject.org/ero-en/Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980.pdf Electoral Act, 110(3).
Last updated: 2008-02-08 08:19:33 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is both head of State and Government.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Articles 27, 28(2), 58(1); Electoral Act, 112A.[www] http://aceproject.org/ero-en/Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980.pdf
Last updated: 2008-02-08 08:19:33 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The President is both head of State and Government.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Article 27, [www] http://aceproject.org/ero-en/Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980.pdf
Last updated: 2007-10-17 06:30:36 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: Parliament consists of a House of Assembly and the Senate.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Article 32, 33, [www] http://aceproject.org/ero-en/Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980.pdf
Last updated: 2008-02-08 08:19:33 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Assembly consists of 210 members elected using single member plurality constituencies.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Article 38.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:23:58 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
a. Nationality or ethnic groups - proportion of total seats (%) 10/150
d. Other- proportion of total seats (%) a)8/150 and b)12/150
Last updated: 2007-10-11 10:07:29 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: The key legislative items are: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980. Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act (Chapter 2:12) Referendums Act (Chapter 2:10) Political Parties (Finance) Act (Chapter 2:11)
Last updated: 2008-02-07 10:48:43 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
Comments: Electoral Act shall apply to - the election of members of Parliament and elections to the office of President for the purposes of the Constitution; elections to the governing bodies of councils for the purposes of the Rural District Councils Act and the Urban Councils Act.
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 2.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 06:35:47 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Last updated: 2007-10-12 08:33:47 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: Multiparty liaison committees are set up by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) at national, provincial and constituency level to attempt to resolve electoral disputes; election petitions are heard by Electoral Court
Source: Electoral Act, 160A-160D, 161-165.
Last updated: 2008-02-07 10:48:43 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Electoral Act provides that every party has the right to reasonable access to the media. There is, however, no legislation to give effect to this.
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 3(c)(4).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 09:14:38 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Last updated: 2007-10-17 09:14:38 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-02-14 17:12:58 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
c. No
Source: EU election observation mission, elections in 2000: [www]http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/human_rights/report_zimbabwe/preelection_periode.htm
Last updated: 2007-10-16 09:03:00 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Zimbabwe has no law requiring registration by political parties.
Source:
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:52:53 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Zimbabwe has no law requiring registration by political parties.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:52:53 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
Comments: a. Must have attained the age of 21.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Schedule 3, 1.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:50:53 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
Comments: 1. Must have attained the age of forty.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Schedule 3, 1.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:50:53 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Source: Constitution 1980, 28(1); Schedule 3, 1.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:50:53 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Comments: Funding is for political parties which received 5% or more of votes cast in the last general election.
Source: Political Parties (Finance) Act (Chapter 2:11).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:50:53 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Comments: Funding is distributed in proportion to the proportion of votes received in the last general election.
Source: Political Parties (Finance) Act (Chapter 2:11), 3(3).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:50:53 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
b. No
Comments: Political parties and candidates prohibited from receiving funds from foreign donors.There is a presumption that donations accepted by a member of a party were accepted by the party itself, unless the receiver failed to disclose the donation to the party.
Source: Political Parties (Finance) Act (Chapter 2:13), 6(1)(2).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 08:52:53 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: After the close of the poll, counting takes place at polling stations by Presiding Officer in presence of polling officers, monitors and observers and the candidates and their election agents as are present.
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 62.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 09:11:45 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
e. Court order
Last updated: 2007-10-17 09:11:45 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
i. Media
k. Other
Comments: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is tasked by law with conducting voter education that is adequate, accurate and unbiased. The ZEC must ensure that voter education undertaken by others (excluding political parties) is adequate, not misleading or biased; they must be Zimbabwean citizens or registered NGOs, they must adhere to programmes and instructions of the ZEC and charge no fees; all material, trainer details and funding must be disclosed to the ZEC.
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Article 61(4)(f); Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act, 15(1),(2), 16.
Last updated: 2008-02-08 09:19:20 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries, The Zimbabwe Elections Observer Mission Report, 2000, p. 31
Last updated: Tue, 17 Sep 2002 11:26:28 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: The ZEC must ensure that voter education undertaken by others (excluding political parties) is adequate, not misleading or biased; they must be Zimbabwean citizens or registered NGOs, they must adhere to programmes and instructions of the ZEC and charge no fees; all material, trainer details and funding must be disclosed to the ZEC; all foreign funding must be channelled through and distributed by the ZEC.
Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act (Chapter 2:12), 15(1),(2), 16.
Last updated: 2008-02-08 09:20:26 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
b. At any polling station in the same voting district
f. By mail
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 6(1)(a), 71.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:52:16 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
f. Diplomatic staff
g. Other
Comments: g. Spouses of diplomats.
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 71(1)(b),(c).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:47:22 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
e. By mail
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 71.
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:52:16 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: It is regulated
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:49:40 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), 57(c)(ii).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:52:16 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 7
b. The largest polling station: 7
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:49:40 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
e. 20
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Schedule 3, Article 3(1).
Last updated: 2008-02-07 11:01:51 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Schedule 3, Article 3(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-17 07:34:43 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Registration is with constituency registrar who is subject to the supervision of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission(ZEC).
Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe 1980, Article 61(4)(c),(d),(h); Electoral Act, 20(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:09:41 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:20 AM
