The Election Resource Centre (ERC) welcomes the newly appointed Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi. The new Chairperson succeeds, Honourable Jessie Majome whom the ERC commends for leading the portfolio committee with distinction. The ERC recognizes the important role that is played by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in supporting efforts towards electoral reforms.
The change in leadership was in line with Section 160 of the Parliament of Zimbabwe Standing Rules and Orders which stipulates that; “Committee on Standing Rules and Orders must subject to provisions of section 139 (4) of the Constitution regarding the political and gender composition of Parliament or the House as the case may be, determine the number of and nominate the members who must serve on committees.”
The ERC cherishes its continued relationship with Parliament which is premised on constructive engagement. The ERC looks forward to continued engagement with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs under Hon Ziyambi’s leadership, including a petition which is still before his Committee. Part of Hon Ziyambi`s assignments as he takes up this position is to oversee the conclusion of the ERC petition which calls for Parliament to expedite re-alignment of the Electoral Act with the Constitution of Zimbabwe. On 22 September 2015, the Election Resource Centre (ERC), along with 14 other Civil Society Organisations, petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe urging alignment of Electoral Laws with the Constitution of Zimbabwe which was enacted into law in 2013.
Public Hearings to this effect were facilitated by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs from Monday the 24th of October 2016 to Sunday the 30th of October 2016 in Harare, Concession, Mutoko, Mutare, Gweru, Bulawayo and Gwanda. The process is however yet to be finalised. The ERC therefore enjoins Hon Ziyambi to preside over the conclusion of the petitioning process and implores upon the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi to:
- Expedite release of the post-public hearing Parliament Report on the ERC petition.
- Prioritize alignment of Electoral Laws with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
- Ensure that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is adequately funded to enable them to execute their mandate without compromise or negligence to fundamental issues.
Ends//
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Contact Details
Contact // Tawanda Chimhini (Director)
Election Resource Centre
Email: information@erczim.org
Facebook: @Election Resource Centre Zimbabwe
Twitter/Skype: @erczimbabwe
Website: www.erczim.org
Phone: 0776347629
The Election Resource Centre is a think tank and advocacy institution on elections and democracy
