Proactive disclosure of information post the 2013 Model Law on Access to Information: Assessing the compliance of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission with the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa and the Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression in the 2023 harmonised elections.
Posted: 21 June, 2024 Filed under: Idirashe Amanda Chikomba | Tags: Access to Information, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, Constitution of Zimbabwe, Cyber and Data Protection Act, Declaration on Principles on Freedom of Expression, Electoral Management Bodies, Guidelines on Access to Information in Africa, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Model Law on Access to Information, national security, Presidential Proclamation, public accountability, right to access information, transparency, ZEC, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Leave a comment
Author: Idirashe Amanda Chikomba
Human rights lawyer
Introduction
Regional and international instruments guarantee the right to access information. Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (African Charter) and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provide for the right to access and receive information. Both treaties have been ratified by Zimbabwe. Section 62 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 (the Constitution) also guarantees the right to access information. The provision enunciates access to information to every Zimbabwean citizen or permanent resident, including juristic persons and the media. The duty bearers are outlined as any institution or government agency for purposes of public accountability.
Where to Zimbabwe? Another stage set for flawed elections under Mnangagwa’s leadership
Posted: 3 April, 2023 Filed under: Nqobani Nyathi | Tags: accountability, African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, amendment of the Constitution, by-elections, constitution, Constitution of Zimbabwe, democracy, electoral disputes, Emmerson Mnangagwa, free and fair elections, government-affiliated media, Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa, human rights, Luke Malaba, peaceful resolution, Private Voluntary Organisations Bill, PVO Bill, rise to power, unlawful killings, violence, ZEC, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission 1 Comment
Author: Nqobani Nyathi
Doctoral Candidate and Project Officer, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
In 2018, and perhaps at the peak of his popularity, Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly won a disputed Presidential election in Zimbabwe. In the aftermath, chaos ensued, and soldiers shot and killed people. No one has been held accountable so far, perpetuating an environment of impunity and fear. Mnangagwa’s unconstitutional rise to power the previous year had subverted democracy and as predicted, he has continuously demonstrated an unsettling disregard for the Constitution and the principles of democracy. Zimbabwe’s next general election is scheduled for some time this year, on a date yet to be announced. If Mnangagwa persists on his current path of undermining the Constitution, the election could lack the legitimacy necessary for a functioning democracy.
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