Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-31 04:30:00
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is gearing up to enhance its electoral efficiency by conducting extensive research on technological advances in election management. ZEC Chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, highlighted that one of the primary focus areas for the electoral body is the incorporation of technology in elections to streamline the electoral process.
Chigumba emphasized the importance of thorough research before implementing any technological advancements in elections. She stated, “The use of technology in elections has become a norm globally. However, we need to conduct extensive research to understand how it will benefit the main stakeholder, the voter. Over the next two years, we will be focusing on research and will be visiting other electoral commissions to gather insights on best practices for running elections.”
In addition to technological advancements, Chigumba also addressed the issue of the diaspora vote. She acknowledged the persistent concerns surrounding the diaspora vote and announced that ZEC would be conducting research to explore how other countries handle this issue. Some countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have implemented a partial diaspora vote for presidential elections only. Chigumba emphasized the need for legislative changes to enable the implementation of the diaspora vote.
Furthermore, Justice Chigumba reiterated the importance of political party registration as a means to promote transparency and orderliness in the political arena. By encouraging political parties to register, ZEC aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure fair competition among political entities.
As ZEC embarks on its research initiatives to improve electoral processes, it aims to learn from other electoral commissions and adopt best practices to enhance electoral efficiency. The Commission’s commitment to incorporating technological advancements and addressing key issues such as the diaspora vote reflects its dedication to fostering transparent and credible elections in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, Justice Priscilla Chigumba’s remarks underscore ZEC’s proactive approach to modernizing election management and addressing electoral challenges. Through rigorous research and collaboration with other electoral bodies, ZEC aims to enhance the electoral process and uphold the integrity of democratic practices in Zimbabwe. By staying abreast of technological developments and exploring innovative solutions, ZEC is poised to make significant strides towards ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
