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By Joyce Mukucha
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has welcomed the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) by the Government of Zimbabwe.
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance is a roadmap setting out continental standards on democracy and good governance in Africa, setting out rules for free and fair elections as well as condemning unconstitutional changes of Governments.
In a statement, ERC pointed out that the ratification of the ACDEG was a positive step in terms of commiting to credible elections and peaceful transfer of power highlighting that the noble step might contribute to fair and credible elections in the country.
“The ERC notes that the credibility crisis Zimbabwe has faced has not been a result of the failure to ratify the Charter but the failure to implement existing legal frameworks meant to realise credible elections.
“Without the Government’s will to fully implement the ACDEG and existing laws aimed at achieving free, fair and credible elections, the ratification will be an exercise in futility,” the statement reads.
ERC said it remains concerned at electoral stakeholder’s failure to comply with local laws and the reluctance of the Government to implement reforms necessary to ensure free, fair and credible elections stressing that it was imperative for all electoral stakeholders to comply with the Charter, Constitution and statutory laws governing elections.
Giving recommendations, the organisation said,”The Government must; Ensure that the ratification is followed by the timely depositing of the Charter with the AU Commission in order for Zimbabwe to become a full State Party to the Charter.”
The ERC also emphasised the need by government to support the ratification with electoral reforms necessary to achieve free, fair and credible elections.