The Electoral Reforms Tracking Report covers the period from 1 August to 31 January 2022. The repot consists of a record of socio-political developments relevant to electoral matters and the electoral environment. The report registers both positive and negative changes in so far as they are relevant to the electoral playing field and related matters.

It is  noted that like most of the world, Zimbabwe has been under COVID-19 regulatory frameworks since the declaration of the health challenge as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The regulatory framework put in place to deal with the pandemic has had an impact on several election related issues, including basic rights such as the right and freedom of association, petition, etc.

Download full report here

In line with its mission to promote democratic elections in
Zimbabwe, ZESN observed local authority by-elections in the Chitungwiza Ward 7, Mutare
Ward 14 and 16, Rusape Ward 5, Pfura Ward 40, Kariba Ward 3, 4 and 8 as well as at the
Ward Collation Centres. The by-election were held in accordance with Section 121 A of the
Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the incumbent Pfura Ward 40 Councillor
Doniah Jeke and the recalls of Mutare Mayor Blessing Tandi of Ward 14; Chitungwiza
Mayor Lovemore Maiko of Ward 7; Kariba Mayor George Masendu of Ward 4; Councillors
Farai Magevha of Ward 3 and Pedzisai Munhuweyi of Ward 8 and Mutare Ward 16
Councillor Sekai Catherine Mukodza; by the MDC Alliance.

Download Full Report here

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network has deployed 8 static observers in Chitungwiza Ward
7, Mutare Ward 14 & 16, Rusape Ward 5, Pfura Ward 40, Kariba Ward 3, 4 & 8 as well as observers at the Ward
Collation Centres in the local authority by-election. The by-election is being held in accordance with Section 121
A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the incumbent Pfura Ward 40 Councillor Doniah
Jeke and the recalls of Mutare Mayor Blessing Tandi of Ward 14; Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko of Ward
7; Kariba Mayor George Masendu of Ward 4; Councillors Farai Magevha of Ward 3 and Pedzisai Munhuweyi of
Ward 8 and Mutare Ward 16 Councillor Sekai Catherine Mukodza; who were elected under the MDC Alliance
Party were recalled from their respective local authorities and are contesting in the by-election under the Citizens
Coalition for Change (CCC) Party.

Download Full Report here

Zimbabwe held by-elections to fill in vacancies in the National Assembly and Local Authorities
on 26 March 2022. The seats fell vacant mostly as a result of recalls that ensued following
internal party squabbles within the main opposition, the MDC Alliance that were settled by the
courts. Table 1 below shows the causes of the occurrence of vacancies in National Assembly
constituencies where by-elections were held. Contrary to what would ordinarily happen, the
by-elections were held long after the lapse of the 90-day period within which vacancies should
be constitutionally filled in. This was because of the indefinite suspension of by-elections by the
government on account of the COVID-19 pandemic and in spite of the opening of other sectors
of the country and resumption of other activities such as physical church gatherings, reopening
of schools, restaurants, bars and other public facilities.

Download the full report here