Freeman Chari, a Zimbabwean software engineer based in the United States of America, says CCC should join MDC-T Douglas Mwonzora’s urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking the nullification of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report.
Chari, who is sympathetic to the Nelson Chamisa-led party, believes that while it appears to be politically incorrect, CCC should join Mwonzora’s court application, saying it captures all the issues that he has raised over the past 12 months that need to be attended to, to ensure a credible election. <a href="https://twitter.com/freemanchari/status/1635876468138950656">Chari wrote on Twitter</a>:
<blockquote>
1. Personally, l don’t have anything against the court challenge. It captures all the things l spoke about from March 2022. The reason l spoke so passionately abt all these things was that we could tell the complications of the future. It took people 11 months to pay attention.
2. Everyone within CCC that l spoke to except a few trivialized the impact of the wrong delimitation formula. Some still do up to today because they believe we can win the presidency even under the circumstances. Which makes me question a lot of things.
3. What frustrates me more is that CCC is being nudged into decisions by agendas set by the system. It feels like a flow chart. Those who were there in 2013 should be feeling a sense of de javu.
4. Because the case has been brought by Doug, it is now feeling like a poisoned chalice. Regardless of the merits, the politics is dictating that CCC can’t be part of it. I want to argue that, CCC should do the unpredictable and join it…
5. Remember how in 1998 everyone was pro-land reform except ZANU? For those who don’t remember, listen to Mapfumo’s Set the people free or Chimbetu’s Zuva Raenda. Mugabe, unpredictably metamorphosed into a champion of land reform overnight to grab the impetus…
6. The expectation is for CCC not to support this and plunge into an election that is heavily gerrymandered and unfair all because of hubris. I would urge CCC to prepare for elections intensively if they go ahead, enter under protest.
7. An election with a bad delimitation, without a voter roll, without polling station names, without free campaign etc is an illegitimate election that will produce an illegitimate result. So again, PREPARE for election, CHALLENGE the delimitation, participate under PROTEST.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

CCC Activist Urges Chamisa To Join Mwonzora's Delimitation Report Court Challenge

MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora and his party on Tuesday filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking the nullification of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report.
Mnangagwa gazetted the delimitation report on 20 February.
The MDC-T is seeking a High Court determination to have the matter referred to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt).
He argues that the delimitation report does not meet the requirements of section 161 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Mwonzora’s submission reads in part:
<blockquote>
… we seek a declaratur declaring the delimitation report prepared by first respondent (ZEC) and gazetted by second respondent (Mnangagwa) on February 20 null and void for not being in accordance with provisions of section 161 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
He cited ZEC, President Mnangagwa, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and the Attorney-General’s Office as the respondents.
Section 161(11) of the Constitution outlines the procedures for delimitation and what the President should do after receiving the final delimitation report from ZEC. Reads Mwonzora’s application:
<blockquote>
Applicant also seeks an order for consequential relief in the form of a mandamus (a judicial writ issued as a command to an inferior court or ordering a person to perform a public or statutory duty) directing the first respondent to conduct a fresh exercise of delimitation in compliance with the dictates and requirements of section 161 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and in particular to base the report on a final population census report.
Applicants further seek consequential relief directing second respondent not to proclaim elections before the first respondent has prepared a delimitation report that is in compliance with section 161 of the constitution of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Election watchdogs, data analysts, and other stakeholders have accused ZEC of using the wrong formula to calculate voter variations and this resulted in some constituencies having a significantly higher number of registered voters than others.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mwonzora Sues ZEC, Mnangagwa Over Delimitation Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said that the Final Delimitation Report by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is not yet submitted.
Charamba told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/final-delimitation-report-not-yet-submitted">The Sunday Mail</a> that the President on Friday received an amended preliminary delimitation report from ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba which is expected to capture Parliamentary and Presidential recommendations and submissions. He said:
<blockquote>
Following the submission of the preliminary report by the ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission), that action put in train two sets of reactions: One from Parliament (of Zimbabwe) and another one from His Excellency, the President. Both these are by way of feedback to ZEC’s preliminary delimitation report.
Both sets of reactions were given to ZEC, and the first to do so was the Parliament of Zimbabwe, through the President, as required by the Constitution.
Then the President later sent his own response to the preliminary delimitation report.
Out of those two responses, ZEC then produced a draft preliminary report with the new amendments, which means amendments from Parliament and amendments noted by the President.
What the chairlady of ZEC (Justice Priscilla Chigumba) gave the President (on Friday) was the preliminary report, as amended by the reactions from both Parliament and from the President.
The President, in turn, will go through that preliminary report, as amended. Depending on how he views it, he will then give ZEC his final comment on that draft preliminary report, as amended.
Those would be his final comments on the matter, and ZEC will exercise its Constitutional right to either take them into account or to discard them because the Constitution gives ZEC the final say on the compilation of what then becomes the final delimitation report.
So, the final delimitation report is then what will be given to the President for gazetting.
</blockquote>

ZEC's Final Delimitation Report Not Yet Submitted - Charamba

Seven Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioners, who refused to append their signatures to the preliminary delimitation report are reportedly being sidelined by ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba.
The seven commissioners are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rosewita_Marutare">Rosewita Murutare</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Shava">Kudzai Shava</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Janet_Mbetu_Nzvenga">Jane Mbetu-Nzvenga</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shepherd_Manhivi">Shepherd Manhivi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Abigail_Millicent_Mohadi_Ambrose">Abigail Mohadi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jasper_Mangwana">Jasper Mangwana</a>, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Catherine_Mpofu">Catherine Mpofu</a>.
They wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament accusing Chigumba and her deputy, Rodney Simukai Kiwa of not consulting them in crafting the report, resulting in them disowning the whole process.
NewsDay reported sources as saying the seven commissioners had hoped that Mnangagwa and Parliament would reject the report without making any recommendations.
However, both the President and Parliament made some recommendations. Said a NewsDay source:
<blockquote>
Chigumba is well-versed in the process since she is a judge. She was not disturbed by their move to discredit her.
Commissioners such as Manhivi, who is a registered legal practitioner with a law degree, and holds other two additional degrees in administration and international relations; and Mpofu, who is a language, communications specialist and peace practitioner and have experience working with the public, media and civil society from the legislative arm of the State, should be taking a leading role in the report, but have not been consulted.
It’s not happening, they are just redundant now.
</blockquote>
Mangwana said his hands were tied to comment on the issue, adding: “Please talk to ZEC chief executive officer Utloile Silaigwana.”
Silaigwana asked NewsDay to send questions in writing, but he had not responded to them by the time of going to print.
Chigumba is now said to be relying more on the ZEC secretariat to finish the recommendations within the timeframe provided by the Constitution. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006792/zec-chair-guns-for-rogue-commissioners">NewsDay</a>

Chigumba Sidelines Seven "Rogue" Commissioners

The Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) says the credibility of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report has been affected by apparent division within the commission itself.
Seven ZEC commissioners refused to append their signatures to the report after claiming that it violated the constitution.
The seven commissioners accused ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba of not consulting them.
POLAD’s governance and legislative agenda chairperson Lovemore Madhuku said there should be clear evidence that all commissioners are involved at every stage of the process. Said Madhuku:
<blockquote>
The preliminary delimitation report doesn’t pass the test set out in the constitution. POLAD regards it as a failure on the part of ZEC.
POLAD is concerned about the internal governance of ZEC. Under our constitution, ZEC is a corporate body consisting of nine commissioners.
The delimitation process cannot be the work of one or two commissioners; there must be clear evidence that all commissioners are involved at every stage of the process.
This is essential for the integrity and credibility of ZEC. POLAD would like to see public appearances of ZEC commissioners at all platforms where ZEC is either presenting to, or receiving from, the president reports relating to the delimitation process.
ZEC must use all the remaining stages to demonstrate in public the involvement of all commissioners.
</blockquote>
Chigumba is reportedly relying on the ZEC secretariat to finalise the delimitation report as the seven commissioners remain frozen out.
The seven commissioners are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rosewita_Marutare">Rosewita Murutare</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Shava">Kudzai Shava</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Janet_Mbetu_Nzvenga">Jane Mbetu-Nzvenga</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shepherd_Manhivi">Shepherd Manhivi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Abigail_Millicent_Mohadi_Ambrose">Abigail Mohadi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jasper_Mangwana">Jasper Mangwana</a>, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Catherine_Mpofu">Catherine Mpofu</a>. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200006756/mnangagwa-allies-turn-heat-on-zec">The Standard</a>

Divisions At ZEC Worry POLAD

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), says it will consider all the recommendations and concerns raised by Parliament before crafting the final delimitation report which should be ready by mid-February in line with Constitutional provisions.
Speaking at State House last week after receiving from President Emmerson Mnangagwa Parliament’s report on the preliminary delimitation report, Chigumba said:
<blockquote>
The President called us today for him to formally hand over the report approved by Parliament which was written by the ad-hoc committee which was formed by Parliament.
We have received the report and we have assured him that we will have a look at all of the recommendations and concerns which were raised by Parliament.
In terms of the way forward, we are still to receive corrections from the President himself which we anticipate he will do in the course of next week, and thereafter, we will gather as a commission and look at all of the recommendations holistically and look at those we can accede to and those we cannot accede to and we will compile our report for His Excellency where we will state our reasons for acceding to certain recommendations and perhaps not acceding to some.
</blockquote>
The Parliamentary ad-hoc committee made several recommendations that it wants ZEC to address. Some of the recommendations are:
<ul>
<li>ZEC should take into account the entire population as shown in the census, not just the adult population because wards serve other purposes apart from elections.</li>
<li>ZEC should revisit boundaries where it did not take into account community interests between voters.</li>
<li>ZEC should ensure that there is an equal number of voters in constituencies and wards, with variations limited to 20% as required by section 161 of the Constitution.</li>
<li>ZEC should apply consistent principles when transferring voters from constituencies and wards with large numbers of voters to those with fewer.</li>
</ul>

ZEC Says It Will Address MPs' Delimitation Concerns

Members of Parliament have demanded that the preliminary delimitation report by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should be returned to the electoral body for amendments.
The delimitation report has been analysed by Parliament’s ad-hoc committee and is now before the National Assembly where it is being further scrutinised and debated.
Some of the recommendations made by the Parliamentary ad-hoc committee are as follows:
<ul>
<li>ZEC should take into account the entire population as shown in the census, not just the adult population because wards serve other purposes apart from elections.</li>
<li>ZEC should revisit boundaries where it did not take into account community interests between voters.</li>
<li>ZEC should ensure that there is an equal number of voters in constituencies and wards, with variations limited to 20% as required by section 161 of the Constitution.</li>
<li>ZEC should apply consistent principles when transferring voters from constituencies and wards with large numbers of voters to those with fewer.</li>
</ul>
During the debate of the ZEC report in the National Assembly on Tuesday, 17 January, Binga North legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda (CCC) said:
<blockquote>
The report is not a good one as some of the observations that were made by the ad hoc committee included that ZEC did not consider the census report, which is able to indicate the national migration of citizens.
Therefore, in the absence of the census report, it is very difficult to validate some of the findings; for example, Bulawayo province.
When a census report is available, it becomes easy to compare the movement of citizens between areas.
</blockquote>
Harare East legislator Tendai Biti (CCC) said ZEC failed to produce a copy of the voters’ roll and to consult citizens during the delimitation exercise. He said:
<blockquote>
The test of whether ZEC did a good job was going to be measured on three issues, which include procedure when they were making the report, whether they followed the law, and whether the report is loyal to principles defined in section 161 of the Constitution.
The three scores show that ZEC failed to consider the final report of the census, and there is a co-relationship between the task of delimitation and the population.
When you look at the ZEC report, there is no marriage and there is no connection between the report and the population.
ZEC failed to produce a copy of the voters’ roll and we are just told without validation that the total number of voters is this and that, and yet the actual voters’ roll has not been given.
ZEC failed to consult citizens and it failed procedural issues.
</blockquote>
Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (ZANU PF) said “This time ZEC has failed its duties”.
Makoni North MP James Munetsi (ZANU PF), said ZEC ignored statistics and “did the report from what they know” and as a result, cannot be trusted to run an election.
After both the National Assembly and Senate debate the ZEC delimitation report, their findings and recommendations will be presented to President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006275/mps-poke-holes-on-delimitation-report">NewsDay</a>

MPs Condemn ZEC's Preliminary Delimitation Report

Men BelieveED, a shadowy ZANU PF group championing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s election bid, has said State security organs must not intimidate people who express concerns over the ZEC’s delimitation preliminary report.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) tabled the report before Parliament on Friday last week. Various stakeholders say the report is flawed with <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/parliamentarians-say-zec-must-redo-the-delimitation-process/">Parliamentarians saying ZEC must redo the process.</a>
Early this week, a ZANU PF activist Tonderai Chidawa, who criticised the delimitation report after it was tabled in Parliament last week claimed that State security agents were after him.
Chidawa released an audio claiming he had been forced into hiding at his flat in the capital alleging that the agents wanted to know “who sent you to fight ZEC”?
Men BelievED leader Justice Matsatsira Friday said Chidawa and any other citizen must not be threatened. NewsDay cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
People should not be threatened and be followed for speaking their mind. The New Dispensation led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa does not like that. Zimbabwe is a democratic country.
Our President respects the Constitution. In the late President Robert Mugabe era people were harassed, but in the New Dispensation, the President has said we should let bygones be bygones and move as one peace-loving people.
</blockquote>
In a letter to Parliament, Chidawa, represented by Lovemore Madhuku, said the draft delimitation report tabled in the august House was not signed by ZEC commissioners and was “not an act of the ZEC as a body corporate”.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/highlights-of-the-zec-delimitation-report/">Highlights Of The ZEC Delimitation Report</a></li>
</ul>
MenBelievED spokesperson Timothy Nyakudzuka said ZEC did not consult citizens during the delimitation exercise therefore the process was flawed. 
Some ZEC commissioners have reportedly disowned the report.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"People Shouldn't Be Threatened For Speaking Their Mind" - Men BelievED

Former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioner Qhubani Moyo has said there is no law stating that the commissioners’ decisions should be unanimous.
Moyo made the remarks following reports that seven ZEC commissioners disowned a preliminary delimitation report tabled in Parliament on Friday last week saying it is flawed.
The commissioners allegedly wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa advising him to “put aside” the report and that elections should be held using old boundaries from the last delimitation exercise in 2008.
However, in his analysis posted on Facebook, Moyo said ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba has the power to override decisions by the other commissioners. Wrote Moyo:
<blockquote>
The independence of ZEC is well provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and no State organ should or can interfere with its processes and mandate.
In the case of delimitation processes Parliament can give an opinion that ZEC may choose to take on board or reject.
ZEC is not bound to follow such an opinion as it is not prescriptive, but persuasive except where it is a breach of the Constitution.
The chairperson of the commission, whose appointment process is different from the rest of the commissioners, is the official communicator for the commission and there are no provisions that decisions of the commission should be majoritarian.
In the event of unreasonable sustained debates over issues that are bound to create a national crisis, the chairperson and chief elections officer are eligible candidates to make pronouncements in the best national interest.
</blockquote>
Moyo made reference to the Kenyan elections held last year where some commissioners disowned presidential results.
However, the country’s Supreme Court upheld the results.
Moyo added that it was unacceptable for ZEC commissioners to dissociate themselves from the outcome of a process that they were part of. He said:
<blockquote>
The decision by the seven ZEC commissioners to deny paternity of a delimitation report they “fathered” is professionally unacceptable and not in the best interests of the nation as they should not reject the outcomes of a process they were part of.
</blockquote>
ZEC is expected to produce a final delimitation report by 28 January.

Former ZEC Commissioner Speaks Out On Delimitation Report

<h2>Full statement by the Election Resource Centre Zimbabwe (ERCZ) on the Preliminary Delimitation report.</h2>
<blockquote>
On 26th December 2022, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission took a significant step toward fair representation for all Zimbabwean voters by submitting the Preliminary Delimitation Report to the President of Zimbabwe.
The preliminary report presents the wards and constituencies as delimited by the Commission during the delimitation exercise.
While the report has generally resulted in a more equitable distribution of voters across the 210 constituencies in Zimbabwe, the ERC notes concerns raised by stakeholders on the report.
The main concern is the calculation of the allowable ‘variance’ for the number of registered voters per constituency and ward. 
The alleged erroneous methodology used to calculate the variance potentially discredits the delimitation process.
The underlying principle of the delimitation process is to ensure the equality of the vote. Hence, the ERC urges the Commission to address the concerns raised by stakeholders.
The failure to adequately address the issues raised may result in the final delimitation report being contested and thus affecting its use for the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
A return to the pre-existing 2007/2008 boundaries goes against the principles of the equality of the vote as the boundaries of the current constituencies and wards are grossly unequal.
Inclusivity and transparency in addressing the concerns raised will ensure the buy-in of all relevant stakeholders.
The Electoral Commission is expected to ensure maximum transparency of the procedures and their outcome.
This is vital to guarantee the credibility of the electoral process, secure the confidence of the voters and respect the aspirations of the Constitution.
Given the short time remaining for the delimitation report to be adopted for the 2023 Harmonised Election, ERC calls on all significant stakeholders, in particular the Electoral Commission, Parliament, and Political Parties, to step up, address the issues brought up, and carry out their mandates.
</blockquote>

ERCZ Statement On The Preliminary Delimitation Report | Full Text

The government on Friday tabled the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report before the National Assembly for consideration.
The report will determine the composition of the country’s wards and constituencies in the general elections to be held later this year.
Some legislators attended the sitting in person to discuss the tabled report while others attended the sitting virtually.
The report was tabled in the National Assembly by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. He said:
<blockquote>
I rise to move that whereas Section 161 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that once every ten years on a date or within a period fixed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission so as to fall as soon as possible after a population census, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must conduct a delimitation of electoral boundaries into which Zimbabwe is divided.
And Whereas ZEC commenced the delimitation process in June 2022 and submitted its preliminary report to His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa on 26th December, 2022; and whereas Section 161 (7) (c) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), states that the President must cause the preliminary report to be laid before Parliament within seven days, for Parliament consideration and referral of any issues to His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for ZEC’s consideration.
Now, therefore, I, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, do hereby lay the ZEC Preliminary report before the National Assembly for consideration.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-tables-delimitation-report-before-parliament/">Chronicle</a>

Ziyambi Tables Delimitation Report Before Parliament

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s Delimitation Report prepared ahead of general elections this year has been tabled in Parliament this Friday.
Here are some of the highlights from the report:
Bulawayo Province keeps its 12 constituencies with an average of 22 112 registered voters in each.
Seven constituencies were reconfigured and renamed as follows: Bulawayo North, Cowdry Park, Emakhandeni-Luveve, Entumbane-Njube, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Pelandaba-Tshabalala.
In Midlands Province, the Mberengwa South constituency was collapsed and three constituencies now remain i.e., Mberengwa East, Mberengwa West and Mberengwa Central.
The collapsed constituency was replaced by the creation of a new constituency, Mkoba North.
Matabeleland South Province had very low numbers of registered voters and as a result, it was allocated 12 constituencies after Bulilima East was collapsed to meet the minimum threshold.
In Masvingo Province, Zaka East and Zaka West were collapsed and reconfigured to form a new Zaka South Constituency.
One of the collapsed constituencies was replaced by the creation of a new Mwenezi North constituency, which means the Province retained its previously allocated 26 constituencies.
Gutu South constituency, which is currently held by ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi was collapsed and merged with other existing constituencies due to a low registered voter population that failed to meet the minimum threshold for a constituency.
The collapsed constituency was replaced by the creation of a new Chiredzi Central constituency.
In Mashonaland East, three constituencies namely Chikomba Central, Chikomba East, and Chikomba West were redrawn due to the low registered voter population.
As a result, Chikomba Central was collapsed and two Constituencies remain namely Chikomba East and Chikomba West.
In Manicaland Province, Musikavanhu and Chipinge West were merged to create Chipinge West constituency.
The collapsed constituency formed Chikanga constituency after Dangamvura-Chikanga was split due to the high population.
In Harare Province, an additional constituency was created in Epworth resulting in Epworth North and 
Epworth South Constituency.
Three constituencies were created from the Harare South constituency which are Churu, Harare South and Hunyani constituencies.

Highlights Of The ZEC Delimitation Report

Team Pachedu, a group of data analysts has urged Members of Parliament to reject the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report set to be tabled before Parliament on 6 January 2023.
Team Pachedu argued the report should be rejected because, in their view, it was based on a flawed voters’ roll. It said:
<blockquote>
The delimitation report is based on a shambolic voters roll that ZEC illegally refused to avail to stakeholders since May 30 when the delimitation roll closed.
The report is manifestly flawed and should be rejected in its entirety for this very reason.
</blockquote>
Team Pachedu has long been demanding a soft copy of the voters’ roll to be used in this year’s general elections from ZEC.
Some ZANU PF officials and groups affiliated with the ruling party have also criticised ZEC’s delimitation report, saying it is flawed.
NewsDay reported that ZEC chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana declined to comment on the matter and referred the publication to his deputy Catherine Mpofu and the commission’s spokesperson Jasper Mangwana.
Mpofu and Mangwana were reportedly unreachable for comment on Thursday.
In 2022, ZEC accused Team Pachedu of hacking its systems and reported the group to the police for allegedly violating data protection laws. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005790/reject-zec-report-team-pachedu">NewsDay</a>

Team Pachedu Urges MPs To Reject ZEC's Delimitation Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting that will see members debate the preliminary delimitation report handed over to the President recently.
Parliament is currently on a festive period break but members are set to conduct a virtual sitting to debate the preliminary delimitation report on 6 January 2023.
The report was submitted to Mnangagwa by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba on 26 December 2022.
In a message to lawmakers on Tuesday, Parliament said:
<blockquote>
In terms of Section 110(2) (c), His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting to conduct special business relating to the Preliminary Delimitation Report on Friday, 6th January 2023 at 9:00 am.
Due to accommodation challenges still being experienced in Harare, Members are advised to attend the Sitting virtually.
The login details will be shared in due course. A few Members who will attend physically will be advised by the Chief Whips.
</blockquote>
The report has not yet been seen by both legislators or the public <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zanu-pf-affiliated-groups-condemn-zec-preliminary-delimitation-report/">but some ZANU PF-affiliated organisations have expressed disgruntlement over the document.</a>

Parliament Breaks Recess To Debate ZEC Delimitation Report

A ruling ZANU PF party official has raised concern over a preliminary delimitation report by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
ZANU PF Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Daniel Garwe recently said ZEC conducted the delimitation process without consulting them. He said:
<blockquote>
We can’t glorify ZEC when it is changing boundaries like this. One who stays in ward 5 is now going to vote in Mutoko, you live in Hwedza and you now vote in Marondera Central. What kind of nonsense is that?
What they (ZEC) want is that where you used to walk five kilometres to vote you now walk 10km or 15km.
They didn’t consult us, they told us what they had done. That’s not consultation.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday last week, two pro-ZANU PF organisations, MenBelievED and the Association of Rural Districts Councils of Zimbabwe held separate Press conferences in Harare to criticise the ZEC report.
MenBelievED spokesperson Timothy Nyakudzuka said ZEC did not consult citizens during the delimitation exercise therefore the process was flawed.
The ZEC preliminary delimitation report shows that some rural districts have lost wards to peri-urban areas and growth points.
Traditionally, ZANU PF has won more votes in rural wards and constituencies while the opposition has been dominant in urban areas.
For instance, in Mashonaland East Province, Chikomba and Hwedza districts lost a constituency each while Seke had one added.
Another constituency, Ruwa, was also added to the province. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/editorials/article/200004808/has-zanu-pf-finally-smelt-the-coffee">NewsDay</a>

ZANU PF Official Criticises ZEC Preliminary Delimitation Report

Two ZANU PF-affiliated groups have condemned a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) preliminary delimitation report showing that some rural districts have lost wards to peri-urban areas and growth points.
Traditionally, ZANU PF has won more votes in rural wards and constituencies while the opposition has been dominant in urban areas.
For instance, in Mashonaland East Province, Chikomba and Hwedza districts lost a constituency each while Seke had one added.
Another constituency, Ruwa, was also added to the province.
On Tuesday, two pro-ZANU PF organisations, MenBelievED and the Association of Rural Districts Councils of Zimbabwe held separate Press conferences in Harare to criticise the ZEC report.
MenBelievED spokesperson Timothy Nyakudzuka said ZEC did not consult citizens during the delimitation exercise therefore the process was flawed. Said Nyakudzuka:
<blockquote>
As a community of interest in the delimitation of electoral boundaries, we believe the commission did not have sufficient time to execute a thorough and effective process, and it is consequently the reason why we are here today, to express our disgruntlement in ZEC’s failure to define a path for fair representation and contribution of the thoughts of the general public.
Without sufficient consultations with the people of this nation, this delimitation remains the work of the electoral commission, not our people and it should not be trusted as a path to build our country.
Let us be clear, any delimitation process not informed by the views of our people is a flawed process.
</blockquote>
The leader of the Association of Rural Districts Councils of Zimbabwe, which is made up of mainly ZANU PF-led rural councils, David Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
This delimitation process has resulted in disharmony among communities, undermined traditional values and reduced confidence in emerging societies.
</blockquote>
Our people should never have to choose between their nations and boundaries.
<blockquote>
Traditional leaders, business community, farmers, miners, in fact, most stakeholders were excluded from the consultative process and we hear that the commission has completed delimitation and made decisions on behalf of all these stakeholders in delimiting the nation’s boundaries.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004710/delimitation-report-rattles-zanu-pf">NewsDay</a>

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