The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission(ZEC) says it is establishing, as provided for by Section 160B of the Electoral Act, Multi-party Liaison Committees (MPLCs) to deal with the conduct of participating candidates as well as addressing electoral conflicts before, during and after the much hyped July 30 elections.
According to ZEC Chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, the MPLCs will be chaired by ZEC and comprised of contesting candidates or their representatives and other members invited by the committee.
“The main function of the MPLCs is to resolve disputes through dialogue and generally assist on the implementation of the Code Of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates.
“The MPLCs must monitor political parties candidates, supporters, their formal and informal associates and other stakeholders in order to ensure that they adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates and uphold conditions conducive to free and unfettered free democratic political activity within a climate of tolerance in which political activities may take place without fear of coercion, intimidation or reprisals,” said Chigumba.
Among other duties, the MPLCs will be tasked with fostering and engender a spirit of goodwill among political parties, serving as a forum for discussion of issues of common sense and immediately report upon and refer to the Commission any disputes, concerns, natters or grievances relating to the electoral act.
Chigumba also said the ZEC is not mandated to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who flout electoral rules and regulations.
“It is important to note that in electoral conflict management, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Police play a critical role,” she said.
The Police has since set up a unity that will be overseeing the speedy investigation of politically motivated violence or intimidation cases.
An Electoral Court will also be set up, in accordance with Section 161-162 of the Electoral Act, but will have no jurisdiction to try any criminal cases with 50 Magistrates and 35 High Court Judges already appointed to arbitrate electoral disputes for the next six months.
