Press releases

Executive Summary February 2013 saw the government and President Robert Mugabe proclaiming the date for the constitutional referendum March 16, 2013. The proclamation set the stage for political parties in the inclusive government to campaign for a “yes” vote. Although … Continue reading →

On the 16th March 2013, the people of Zimbabwe voted in a historic Referendum for the New Constitution for their country, the second time they have done so since achieving independence in 1980. The first time was in February 2000 … Continue reading →

Executive Summary Violence against women and children is a common phenomenon in Zimbabwe. It occurs, both in the private and public spheres, catalysed by a number of factors that stem from the way in which society is structured. These factors … Continue reading →

In this article, Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) discusses the issue of proportional representation as proposed in the new constitution which stipulates that an Act of Parliament must provide for the conduct of elections, and in particular, for a system … Continue reading →

Zimbabwe Elections support Network compiled this quantitative comparative analysis of the Zimbabwe Election commission 2008 Parliamentary results & 2013 Referendum Results. View the analysis here: Comparison of ZEC March 2008 harmonised results & 2013 Referendum results

In this paper, Professor Elklit of Aarhus University argues that prior to the implementation of the constitution, a number of politically delicate issues must be looked into. Decisions on these issues will be a precondition for organizing the new elections. … Continue reading →

A delegation organized by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center) recently concluded its mission to Zimbabwe. The purpose of the RFK Center delegation was to assess the human rights situation in the current political … Continue reading →

There has been  an increasing concern on the  recent reports in the state-controlled and other partisan media which, when read in its entirety, constitutes a professional and personal attack on a well-respected judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe (Justice … Continue reading →

MESN’s statement concludes that ‘Once again congratulates ZEC and the people of Zimbabwe for a successful and peaceful constitutional referendum. Looking at the time constraints that faced the referendum preparations, MESN calls upon all players and stakeholders for Zimbabwe harmonized … Continue reading →

Summary The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), a network of 31 non-governmental organisations working on the promotion of democratic elections in Zimbabwe, observed the Constitutional Referendum on Saturday 16 March 2013. ZESN deployed approximately 600 observers across the country, drawn … Continue reading →

The Forum is deeply concerned by the arrest of human rights defender and lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa. Ms Mtetwa was arrested on Sunday 17 March 2013 on charges of obstructing the course of justice while she was carrying out her duties … Continue reading →

The Forum notes with grave concern the incidence of political violence in Mbare today. The Forum interviewed six members of the MDC who were visibly injured and they reported that at around 11am today they were attacked and assaulted by … Continue reading →

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), in accordance with its mandate of promoting a culture of human rights and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe, has, since the formation of the Inclusive Government (IG), been carefully scrutinising the general environment ahead of the … Continue reading →

This provisional paper seeks to analyse the provisions of COPAC’s Draft Constitution which have a bearing on elections and electoral processes. The approach adopted in this paper is that each provision which has a bearing on elections and electoral processes … Continue reading →

The mass media are assigned an important role in political campaigns on popular votes. As the holding of a referendum on a new constitution on March 16 2012 approaches, the Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe (MMPZ) would be carrying daily media … Continue reading →

In this analysis, one of the Forum’s member organisations, the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) discuses two basic and contrary models for the crafting of constitutions in circumstances similar to those facing Zimbabwe after 15th September 2008. The first one … Continue reading →

HARARE, 08 March 2013-We, the undersigned Zimbabwean Civil Society Organizations, condemn the sustained and escalating assault on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in civic education, human rights monitoring, public outreach and service provision by the State. These flagrant, intimidatory and repressive … Continue reading →

21 February 2013 ZLHR HOLDS INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR BLITZ On CSOs Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has been and continues to monitor developments relating to the clampdown on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) with increasing … Continue reading →