Veritas has called on all political parties to prioritize the fair representation of women, youth, and people with disabilities in the upcoming elections.
This plea comes as part of the broader efforts to reform the electoral system in Zimbabwe.
The issue was thoroughly discussed during a post-election reflective workshop held on Thursday in Harare, where Brian Crozier, a Veritas Lawyer and Constitutional law expert, expressed his concerns.
In his presentation, Crozier stated the need for inclusivity and diversity in political parties.
“For Zimbabwe’d democratic system to thrive, it is imperative that political parties actively promote the participation of women, youth, and people with disabilities. They are an integral part of the society and deserve equal representation. All political parties must be encouraged to field fair numbers of women, youths, and disabled persons as candidates,” Crozier said.
One of the major concerns raised during the workshop was the marginalization faced by people with disabilities during the 2023 election.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was criticized for its failure to accommodate the unique needs of visually impaired individuals and those with hearing impairments. The absence of braille materials for blind voters and the lack of properly trained sign language interpreters at polling stations caused widespread dissatisfaction.
Speaking on this matter, freelance journalist Takudzwa Changadeya revealed that he had interviewed visually impaired individuals who opted not to vote due to the unavailability of braille materials.
“I asked them why they chose not to vote, and many of them expressed their desire for ZEC to provide braille materials. They were wishing to exercise their right to vote independently, fully aware of the candidates they were voting for,” Changadeya revealed.
Moreover, another freelance journalist, Ellen Kazungu, highlighted the difficulties faced by disabled individuals in accessing polling stations.
She said many disabled voters faced challenges due to the distant locations of polling stations from their residences.
“These individuals were demanding that ZEC organize transportation to ensure their participation in the voting process,” Kazungu shared.
These issues raised during the workshop underscored the urgent need for electoral reforms that prioritize the representation and inclusive participation of all citizens, regardless of their gender, age, or disabilities.
