Independent electoral watchdog the Zimbabwe election support network (Zesn) believes that appropriate provisions must be made that make it mandatory for political parties to observe quotas for women.
This comes as Zesn seeks to raise awareness in that there must be gender parity, backed by law, in all decision-making positions and institutions.
Following the 2018 harmonised elections, the Zimbabwe election support network (Zesn) compiled a compendium of election observers’ recommendations.
The compendium reviews the legislative and electoral framework against the Zimbabwean constitution, regional and international principles and standards governing the conduct of democratic elections.
In its assessment, the Zesn draft political party’s regulation bill has provisions that require political parties to ensure that they are inclusive in terms of making substantive appointment in their respective parties that women, youth and other disadvantaged groups are included in party’s structures.
“The Constitutional Amendment Bill number two proposes the extension of quotas for women by an additional 10 years.
“Women’s groups’ view is proposed extension as inadequate position, and inconsistent with Constitutional provisions,” Zesn said in their compendium of election observers’ recommendations.
Recommendations from women’s organisations include the following:
Section 17 of Constitution which speaks to the need for gender balance should be respected, thus political parties should be obligated to reserve at least 50% seats for women in the Presidium and Parliament.
In addition, 50% of the direct election seats should be reserved for women including young women and women with disabilities.
At local government level, all direct election seats to be designated according to zebra system by gender with ward designated for women appearing first on the delimitation list and ward designated for men appearing twice.
On nomination of candidates, ZEC must reject papers that do not reflect a 50-50 position. This provision must be couched in peremptory terms.
Political Party Finances Act must be amended to ensure that only political parties that meet the constitutional standard of 50-50, receive resources under the Act.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission is exploring the possibility of sponsoring the Gender Equality Act where all the gender equality provisions can be brought and expressed in manner that can make the rights enshrined in the Commission justiciable.