1 zimbabwe election support network [zesn] - Nehanda Radio

votes were miscounted and that, if they were, the miscount would have affected the result of
the election.
However, information pertaining to the ground upon which the vote recount was ordered was
largely sketchy and conflicting. The claim by ZANU PF that its candidate requested the recount
citing various irregularities raises the question whether these complaints were lodged within the
confines of the section 67A of there was reportedly no documentary evidence provided despite
requests for this. Without such evidence, the recounting of votes for Senatorial, House of
Assembly and Local Authority seats would be unlawful.
However, in GN 58A/2008, it is apparent that the recount was ordered by ZEC by virtue of its
powers in terms of section 67A [4]. Even in the event that ZEC ordered the recounts, the need
for certainty and finality of the electoral process would require that this, too, be done within 48
hours of the declarations made to duly elect candidates.
In respect of the presidential recount, the common view was that as there are no provisions for
a presidential recount in the Electoral Act, if ZEC were to follow the practice used for recounts
of parliamentary constituencies, a recount could only be ordered after the announcement of the
results. Candidates would then have 48 hours within which to request for a recount on the
grounds indicated in the Act.
There was also concern about the storage and security of ballot boxes and electoral material
since Election Day. Section 70 of the Electoral Act states that once votes have been counted at
polling stations ballot papers and related documents be placed in sealed packets and delivered
to the constituency elections officer. The constituency elections officer is obliged to store these
in places designated by the Chief Elections Officer.
Media Coverage of Elections
Under the Electoral Act, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is obliged to monitor
broadcasters during the election period to ensure that they observe these provisions. The Act
empowers the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, with the approval of the Justice Minister, to
pass regulations governing electoral reporting by the public media. Ideally, a fair and balanced
allocation of time between each political party and independent candidate; each political party
and independent candidate is allowed a reasonable opportunity to present a case through the
broadcasting service concerned.
While advertisements from different political parties appeared though late in state controlled
media as well as air time was also made available to different political parties on state
controlled radio and television stations, the news in the state controlled media continued to be
extremely biased in favor of the ruling party. Also disquieting is that although there have been
reforms to the laws governing media in Zimbabwe, there continues to be no independent radio
or television stations.
Accreditation of Observers
Under the new provisions of the Electoral Laws Amendment Act 2008, all observers are
accredited by the Electoral Commission’s Observation Accreditation Committee. Previously the
Minister of Foreign Affairs was responsible for the invitation of individuals representing foreign
countries, international, regional organizations, and foreign eminent persons to observe
elections in Zimbabwe. However, while in terms of the Electoral Laws Amendment Act 2008
such persons can apply to Electoral Commission and Observer Committee for accreditation, it
is instructive to note that the Committee cannot accredit a person if the Foreign Minister objects
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