The United African National Council (UANC) has expressed deep concern over the government’s continued neglect of critical electoral reforms necessary for credible elections in Zimbabwe.
Since the year 2000, the country has failed to hold credible elections, largely due to flawed electoral laws, the party says.
Speaking on behalf of the UANC, Secretary General Aliphios Mapuranga condemned the government and parliament for what he called a “betrayal” of the citizens’ democratic rights.
“It is the duty of legislators to prioritize electoral reforms, yet they only make noise about these issues when elections are near,” Mapuranga stated.
The UANC highlighted that numerous recommendations from international observers and regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been largely ignored by the government.
“Our previous election saw SADC propose key reforms, but the government remains reluctant to act,” Mapuranga said.
Mapuranga reminded the Mnangagwa administration about a crucial document on electoral reforms signed under the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD). The document, co-chaired by Mr. Paul Mangwana and Professor Lovemore Madhuku, and later Mr. Chasi, contains key reforms that the UANC believes could significantly improve the electoral process.
“This eight-page agreement was endorsed by POLAD principals, with Mr. Patrick Chinamasa representing President Mnangagwa at the time,” he noted.
The UANC’s late President, Mr. Nesbert Mtengezanwa, also played a significant role in shaping that document and endorsed it with his signature.
“We urge those in authority to review all recommendations made since the post-2018 election violence period up until 2023 and to act swiftly to ensure credible elections,” Mapuranga said.
He emphasized the wider importance of credible elections, saying,
“Election credibility brings economic stability and investor confidence, essential for job creation and poverty eradication.”
The party further challenged current legislators from both ZANU-PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) to prioritize the country’s future by adopting these reforms.
“We call on parliamentarians to live up to the standards expected of them and safeguard Zimbabwe’s democratic future,” Mapuranga added.
Among the key POLAD recommendations held by the UANC are the use of public media by all political players, whereby the nominations court should sit for at least five days, announcing final candidates on the fifth day, and the proclamation of elections 90 days before nominations begin.
The UANC remains poised to hold the government accountable and insists that meaningful reform is essential for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.