By Takudzwa Josiah
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced the dates for the upcoming general elections. The proclamation, detailed under Statutory Instrument 85 of 2023, sets in motion a crucial democratic process. Zimbabweans will go to the polls on August 23rd.
According to the proclamation, the five-year term of Parliament, as stipulated in section 143(1) of the Constitution, concludes on the 25th of August 2023. To adhere to constitutional requirements, President Mnangagwa has called for a general election within a specified period, as outlined in section 144(1) of the Constitution.
In line with the electoral process, the President, in consultation with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, has determined that the Nomination Court will convene on the 21st of June 2023. This court session, which will commence at 10 o’clock in the morning, holds immense significance as it will receive nominations from candidates vying for various positions.
For the office of the President, as stated in section 92(1) of the Constitution, the nomination court will sit in the High Court, Court A, Mapondera Building in Harare. Additionally, for the election of the 210 members of the National Assembly, the nomination court will sit in various locations across the country, specific to each province.
In adherence to section 38 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], the nomination of party-list candidates for the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial councils will take place simultaneously with the nomination of constituency National Assembly candidates.
Furthermore, the proclamation highlights the recent delimitation of electoral boundaries conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. These newly determined boundaries for provinces, constituencies, and wards will apply for the upcoming elections, as declared in a previous proclamation by the President.
The announcement of election dates sets the stage for heightened political activities, campaigns, and engagements across the country.
Political parties and aspiring candidates will intensify their efforts to rally support, present their policies, and connect with voters.
As the election season unfolds, the political landscape will undoubtedly witness spirited debates, rallies, and engagements, with the focus shifting towards the election campaigns of various candidates and parties.