Most countries in this world who applied democracy system must have their own electoral commission that serves as an organization or institution that runs political elections at all levels. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is one of the electoral institutions in this world who controls the elections in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has a long history regarding its establishment. This electoral institution was founded in 2004 by an Act of the Parliament. The establishment of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) had a great influence by Electoral Supervisory Commission which was the predecessor.
The Earlier History of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)
The Republic of Zimbabwe is one of the countries in southern Africa. This country earnt their official independence from British rule on 18 April 1980. After Zimbabwe’s independence from British, a new Zimbabwe government established Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC) that had the obligation to supervise the political elections at all levels in the country.
Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC) also charged with supervising the management of the elections run by the Registrar – General of Elections. This electoral management system in Zimbabwe lasted until 2004 when the new electoral system was re-established.
The re-structured of new electoral management system in Zimbabwe resulted in the establishment of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in 2004. The establishment of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) came from the recommendations of various organizations, political parties as well as the government institutions such as civil society organizations and ESC.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was founded as an independent institution that is not part of the government department. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has an obligation to run and control the elections in Zimbabwe which replaced Registrar – General of Elections as well as ESC.
Beforehand, the voting process in the elections was conducted by Registrar – General of Elections as well as the registering voters. Now, Registrar – General of Elections is changed into Registrar – General of Voters that responsible in registering the voters under the supervision of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The Present Condition of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is consisted of nine commissioners. Which the regulations were constituted in the Constitution of Zimbabwe in Chapter 12 Section 238. The four of the eight Commissioners in Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has to be women, and the chairperson is not included in this proportion.
The Chairperson is appointed directly by the President of Zimbabwe. With the recommendation and consultation with the Parliamentary Committee and Judicial Service Commission beforehand. The Chairperson as well as the Deputy – Chairperson worked on a full time basis.
A person qualified as the Chairperson of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has to be a former judge or a judge from the High Court or Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the eight Commissioners of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) are shortlisted by the Parliamentary Committee. Based on their experience, integrity as well as their competence.