SADC Parliamentary Forum
The Acting Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Ms. Boemo Sekgoma says the SADC PF has evolved to tackle issues of major concern to the SADC Region such as good governance, trade, issues of women empowerment, gender equality and HIV and AIDS among others.
Ms. Sekgoma said this when she introduced delegates to the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session of SADC, which met in the Angolan capital of Luanda in June 2018.
Speaking directly to the President of Angola, His Excellency Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, Ms. Sekgoma said the SADC PF was deeply indebted to Angola, which was hosting the Plenary Assembly Session for the third time.
"This is the third time that the National Assembly of Angola is hosting the SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session. The first time was right here in Luanda in April of 2002 and the second was in Lubango in June 2011. Throughout the life of the forum, the National Assembly of Angola has demonstrated its unwavering commitment," Ms. Sekgoma said.
She said the Forum was the voice of Parliamentarians of the SADC Region, which draws its membership from 14 national parliaments.
"It provides a platform for Members of Parliament as the representatives of the people, to consult, consider and dialogue on matters of national and regional concern. Through this broad representation of Members of Parliament, the forum is an epitome of participatory democracy," she said.
Ms. Sekgoma explained that the Plenary Assembly is the highest policy making organ and deliberative organ of the SADC PF that meets twice a year to deliberate on matters of policy and make decisions on matters of interest to the SADC PF in particular and to the SADC Region in general. The 43rd SADC Plenary Assembly Session was its first meeting in 2018.
"As the main policy making body of the Forum, the Plenary Assembly has been consistent in providing a platform which has helped to shape policy and parliamentary processes in all the SADC member states. The 43rd Plenary Assembly Session is one such platform that contains that consistence," she said.
The 43rd Plenary Assembly Session was held under the theme: Deepening SADC Economic Integration through Industrialisation - The Role of Parliaments
Ms. Sekgoma said the theme had been carefully selected in order to advance the regional integration agenda of SADC.
"This Plenary Assembly will therefore, critically examine the role of Parliamentarians in deepening SADC's economic integration through industrialization," she said.
She then introduced delegates to the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session to the Angolan Head of State. These were: National Assembly of Angola which had a delegation of 13 members led by Hon. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Member of Parliament and Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola and President of the SADC PF and also host of the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session; the Parliament of Botswana, a delegation of 7 members led by Hon. Botlogile M. Tshireletso, Member of Parliament, Assistant Minister of Local Government; the Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a delegation of 5 members led by Hon. Bonface Mukono Balamage, Member of Parliament; the Parliament of the Kingdom of Lesotho, a delegation of 8 members led by the right Hon. Sephiri Motanyane, Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho; the National Assembly of Malawi, a delegation of 7 members led by Hon. Patricia Kainga, Member of Parliament; the National Assembly of Mozambique, a delegation of 15 members led by Hon. Verónica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo, Speaker of the National Assembly; the National Assembly of Namibia, a delegation of 11 members led by the Hon. Prof. Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly; the National Assembly of Seychelles, a delegation of 7 members led by Hon. Nicholas Prea, Speaker of the National Assembly; the Parliament of South Africa, a delegation of 13 members led by Hon. Baleka Mbete, Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa; the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, a delegation of 7 members led by Hon. Selemani Zedi, Member of Parliament; the National Assembly of Zambia, a delegation of 6 members led by Hon. Prof. Nk'andu Luo, Member of Parliament and Minister of Higher Education; and the Parliament of the Republic of Zimbabwe, a delegation of 15 members led by Hon. Adv. Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly.
She explained that apologies had been received from the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the National Assembly of Mauritius.
"In total, we have 12 Parliaments attending this Plenary Assembly Session, of which 7 delegations are led by Speakers and 5 delegations by Members of Parliament, 5 of the 12 delegations are led by women representing 42 per cent," she said to applause.
Ms. Sekgoma then introduced observers that had been invited to the Plenary. These were: The East Africa Legislative Assembly, a delegation of four members led by Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, Member of EALA, representing the Speaker; the Pan African Parliament represented by Hon. Helio De Jesus Bina Sanchez, Member of the Pan African Parliament and Chairperson of the PAP West African Caucus, Member of Parliament from Cape Verde; Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Executive Secretary of SADC, represented by Dr Johansein Rutaihwa; and Dr. Elias Isaac Director of the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa, Angola Office.
Ms. Sekgoma expressed gratitude to the Government of the National Assembly of Angola and the people of the Republic of Angola through the Hon. Speaker, Hon. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola and President of the SADC Parliamentary SADC Forum, "for graciously hosting the 43rd SADC Plenary Assembly Session at this beautiful Palace of the Parliament in this beautiful city of Luanda."
Delivered By
Mr Justice Dr Patrick Matibini, Sc., Fciarb, Mp
Head Of Mission And Speaker Of The National Assembly Of The Republic Of Zambia As Well As A Member Of The Sadc Pf Executive Committee
On 1 August 2018
At Harare International Conference Centre In Harare, Zimbabwe
02-09-2018
472.47 KB
4,752SALUTATIONS
- Honourable Manuel Domingos Augusto, Head of SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) and Minister of International Relations for the Republic of Angola;
- Your Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission and Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Ethiopia;
- Esteemed Heads and Members of International Election Observation Missions;
- Justice Priscila Makanyara Chigumba, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and ZEC Commissioners here present;
- Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
- Esteemed Leaders of Political Parties;
- Members of Civil Society Organisations;
- Media Representatives;
- Distinguished Guests;
- Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my singular honour and privilege to present the SADC Parliamentary Forum Election Observation Mission's Preliminary Statement on the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections.
1. INTRODUCTION
In line with its goals of protecting electoral integrity within the SADC Region, the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), [1] constituted a 22-Member Election Observation Mission to the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections following an invitation by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). The Mission comprised a Pre-Election Technical Assessment Mission which was in the country from 14 to 26 July and the main Short Term Observation Mission which arrived in Zimbabwe on 26 July to 02 August 2018.
The Mission comprises Members of Parliament drawn from five National Parliaments of SADC countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia and is supported by officials from the SADC PF Secretariat and National Parliaments.
I was honoured to be the Head of the Mission while Hon. Agnes Limbo from the National Assembly of the Republic of Namibia is the Deputy Head of Mission.
This Mission is the fifth SADC PF Election Observation Mission to be deployed in Zimbabwe, with similar Missions having been deployed during the 2000, 2002, and 2013 general elections as well as the 2013 constitutional referendum. The SADC PF Election Observation Mission to the 2018 Harmonised Elections is also the 42nd Election Observation Mission to be deployed to a Member State since 1999 when SADC PF started observing elections in the SADC Region.
The purpose of this Preliminary Statement is to share with ZEC and other stakeholders the Mission's findings and recommendations, which are aimed at strengthening electoral institutions and promoting the integrity and efficacy of elections freeness, fairness as well as the overall credibility and integrity of elections in Zimbabwe and the entire SADC Region.
This Preliminary Statement details the Mission's findings, overall assessment and recommendations to date. The Mission is well aware that this Preliminary Statement is being issued when the tabulation, verification and declaration of results is still ongoing. SADC PF will continue to observe the post-election developments and will capture these in a more detailed Final Report that will be compiled and published within 60 days from the date of this Preliminary Statement. SADC PF will, in line with established practice, formally present the Mission's Final Report to ZEC and share experiences for electoral reforms in line with the SADC Model Law on Elections which SADC PF is currently finalising.
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Mission's Terms of Reference were based on the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2015) and the African Charter for Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), among other international election instruments. More specifically, the Mission's observation work was guided by the following points of inquiry that are contained in the SADC PF's Benchmarks for Assessing Democratic Elections in Southern Africa (2013) :
i) Political Context and the Campaign Environment;
ii) Constitutional and Legal Framework;
iii) Electoral System and Boundary Delimitation;
iv) Electoral Management;
v) Media Coverage;
vi) Role of Security Forces;
vii) Role of Traditional Leaders;
viii)Gender Mainstreaming;
ix) Participation of Youths;
x) Electoral Dispute Resolution;
xi) Voter Education;
xii) Registration of Parties and Nominations;
xiii) Political Party Funding and Campaign Funding;
xiv) Voter Registration and the State of the Voters Roll;
xv) Voting Operations and Polling Arrangements;
xvi) Vote Counting;
xvii) Declaration of Results;
xviii) Complaints and Appeals Procedures;
xix)Good Practices;
xx) Areas of Improvement; and
xxi)Overall Assessment of the entire Electoral Processes.
3. DEPLOYMENT PLAN
The Mission deployed its Teams in five of Zimbabwe's 10 provinces, namely; Harare Metropolitan, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Midlands. The teams were deployed as follows:
PROVINCE | TEAM MEMBERS | M/F | COUNTRY |
Harare | Team 1 Mr Justice Dr Patrick Matibini, SC., FCIArb, MP, Head of Mission Hon. Agnes Limbo (Deputy Head of Mission) Chongo MUSONDA - Staff John CHELU - Staff Cleophas Gwakwara- Staff | M F M M M | Zambia Namibia Zambia Zambia Zimbabwe |
Mashonaland West | Team 2 Hon. Botlogile Tshireletso- (Team Leader) Hon. Jorge Augusto Geoffrey Zulu-Staff | F M M | Botswana Angola Zambia |
Mashonaland East | Team 3 Hon. Chunga Ponde Mecha- (Team Leader) Hon. Sedirwa Kgoroba Victor Fernandes-Staff | M M M | Zambia Botswana Angola |
Manicaland | Team 4 Hon. Stevens Mokgalapa- (Team Leader) Hon. Elizabeth Phiri Rumbidzai Chisango-Staff | M F F | South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe |
Midlands | Team 5 Hon. Ruth Andriano Mendes - (Team Leader) Hon. Hlomane Patrick Chauke Bonnet Moeng-Staff | F M M | Angola South Africa Botswana |
Secretariat | Sheuneni Kurasha - Mission Coordinator Unaro Mungendje - Finance and Logistics Mr Tawanda Mubvuma - Rapporteur Ms Cecilia Njovana - Mission Secretary | SADC PF Secretariat SADC PF Secretariat Resource Person Parliament of Zimbabwe | |
4. OBSERVATION METHODOLOGY
The Mission held consultations with stakeholders including ZEC, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), media, security forces, academia and the general electorate. The Mission also observed political campaign rallies, witnessed door-to-door campaigns by political parties and candidates and monitored the mass media. Consultations were held with other Election Observation Missions including SADC, African Union, Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC (ECF - SADC), Commonwealth, European Union, Carter Center, National Democratic Institute (NDI)/International Republican Institute (IRI) and local observers. The Mission also reviewed the constitutional and legal framework governing Elections in Zimbabwe as part of its methodology.
5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE SADC PF MISSION
In carrying out its observation work, the Mission was guided by the key observation principles of impartiality, neutrality, comprehensiveness, transparency, inclusiveness and objectivity.
6. MISSION FINDINGS
6.1 Political Context and the Campaign Environment
The Mission noted that the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections are the second elections to be held under the new Zimbabwe Constitution adopted in 2013 and the first elections following the political transition which saw the former President Robert Mugabe resigning on 21 November 2017 and being succeeded by former Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa on 24 November 2017. In addition, the Mission noted that the elections were duly proclaimed through Statutory Instrument 83 of 2018 issued in terms section 158 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, declaring 30 July as the Election Day and 8 September as the day for presidential election runoff, if need be.
Stakeholders, including political parties, candidates and the electorate indicated that more democratic space had opened-up in the build-up to the 2018 elections. The environment allowed political parties to campaign unimpeded throughout the country and citizens to enjoy the rights enshrined in the Constitution. It was also indicated that although the Public Order and Security Act had not been aligned to the new Constitution, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) granted authority to all political parties to hold public assemblies including rallies and demonstrations in a professional and timely manner.
Against years of international isolation, the 2018 elections are viewed by a broad range of stakeholders within and outside Zimbabwe as crucial in restoring the legitimacy of the State and the country's re-engagement with the international community.
Overall, the Mission observed that in spite of the 2018 elections having been a very tight contest, Zimbabweans are commended for exercising political tolerance and maturity which contributed to the peaceful environment during the campaign period and on Election Day. However, the Mission took note of isolated cases of election-related offences in the pre-election period such as inter-party and intra-party violence, intimidation and defacing of campaign posters.
The Mission urges Zimbabweans to continue in the spirit of tolerance and harmony in the post-election period.
6.2 The Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Mission observed that Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] and the regulations issued in terms of the Act, comprehensively provide for all aspects of organising and conducting elections in Zimbabwe.
The Constitution provides for the protection of citizens' fundamental rights and liberties which include freedoms of expression, assembly and association, movement, freedom of conscience and religious belief, as well as participation in elections. Section 58 of the Zimbabwean Constitution in particular, provides for the freedom of assembly and association and Section 61 provides for freedom of expression and freedom of the media. Section 66, subsection 2 (a) of the Constitution safeguards the citizens' right to move freely within Zimbabwe while Section 67 provides for the political rights.
The Mission is generally satisfied that the afore-stated rights and freedoms were respected and exercised without undue hindrance during the campaign period and on Election Day.
The Mission welcomes the various electoral reforms introduced through the Electoral Amendment Act of 25 May 2018, which include statutory limits on the amount of contingent ballot papers to be printed in an election and the setting of timelines for determination of election results petitions. The reforms responded to some of the recommendations made by observers during the 2013 elections. The reforms also contributed towards improving the legal framework governing elections in Zimbabwe.
The Mission noted the significant progress that Zimbabwe has made in improving the constitutional and legislative framework governing elections in the country in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
6.3 ZEC and Election Administration
ZEC is established by the Constitution as the body responsible for the preparation, conduct and supervision of Elections and Referenda in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the Constitution expressly mandates ZEC to ensure that elections and referenda in Zimbabwe are conducted efficiently, freely, fairly and transparently.
The Mission notes the low levels of confidence expressed by some political parties in ZEC, in particular, with regards to the design, printing, storage and transportation of ballot papers. Cognisant of progress made in addressing these matters in other SADC countries, the Mission urges ZEC to engage stakeholders with a view to drawing lessons from these countries in the post-election period.
The Mission notes that ZEC has adequately prepared and managed all aspects of the electoral process such as training and deployment of electoral officers, procurement of electoral materials, registration of voters, provision of voter education and other logistical arrangements timeously and in accordance with the electoral timetable.
The Mission took note of concerns regarding the inadequacies of ZEC's communication strategy which was perceived to be reactionary in some instances as opposed to being proactive.
6.4 The Role of Security Forces
The Mission observed that ZRP trained its officers in election instruments, human rights and police duties during elections. ZRP, also constantly liaised with ZEC and other stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and CSOs in providing security to the electoral process. Stakeholders also commended the professional manner in which ZRP had policed public assemblies during the campaign period. On voting day ZRP played an important role in guaranteeing public safety and providing security without interfering with the electoral processes across the country.
6.5 Voter Registration and the State of the Voters' Roll
The Mission notes that the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised elections were the first elections in which ZEC assumed full control for the compilation of a new voters roll. ZEC used biometric technology for the compilation of a new voters roll which ushered polling station based voting for the first time in Zimbabwe.
The SADC PF Mission learnt that ZEC undertook an extensive biometric voter registration exercise from 14 September 2017, culminating in a total of 5,695,706 voters, of which 3,073,190 were female while 2,622,516 were male, at the closure of the voters roll of the 2018 elections on 8 February 2018. The Mission took note that a local civil society organization, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), carried out an independent audit of the voters roll and concluded that the roll was a significant improvement over the 2013 Preliminary voters roll. In particular, the audit did not identify anomalies in the 2018 voters roll that affected a large percentage of registrants or that were concentrated amongst registrants, of a particular area, gender or age. Furthermore, the audit also revealed that the 2018 voters roll has a significant number of new registrants, as well as more urban and young registrants when compared to the one used during the 2013 elections.
6.6 Civic and Voter Education
The Mission commends ZEC for the collaborative approach to voter education which saw ZEC accrediting a record number of CSOs to undertake voter education. The voter education efforts benefited from the amendment to the Electoral Act to provide for the direct receipt of foreign donations to fund voter education activities by CSOs as opposed to via ZEC as was the case previously.
Voter education assumed a multi-pronged approach which included print and electronic media adverts, door to door campaigns, distribution of posters, pamphlets and leaflets, roadshows, use of billboards and operation of an electoral information dissemination call centre, including in local languages. In addition, the Mission observed that the contesting political parties also played a significant role in providing voter education to their members during the build-up towards the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections.
6.7 Legislation Governing Regulation of Political Parties
The Mission observed that Zimbabwe has no law governing the establishment, registration and operation of political parties. Political parties only need to make announcements that they have been established. The absence of a law governing the registration and operation of political parties has led to the proliferation of political parties, thereby presenting administrative challenges for ZEC in determining the number of political parties when organising meetings and designing the ballot papers. Drawing from experiences elsewhere in the SADC region, there is a need to promulgate a law to govern the registration and operations of political parties.
6.8 Political Party Funding
The Mission noted that political party and campaign funding in Zimbabwe is regulated by the provisions of the Political Parties (finance) Act [Chapter 2:11]. According to the Act, political parties and candidates that would have garnered a minimum threshold of five percent of the votes cast during the most recent elections are entitled to a proportional allocation of state funding as determined by the government annually.
6.9 Media Coverage of the Elections
The SADC PF Mission noted the critical role played by the media in enhancing awareness on the election process including voter registration, voter education and candidate nominations and communicating the political choices available for the voters. This went a long way in promoting public interest and encouraging public participation in the Elections.
The Mission took note of the trend of acute polarisation that generally characterised the coverage by mainstream media, both private and public print and electronic media prior, during and post the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections. Further, the Mission expresses its concern regarding the continued trend of bias by the public media towards the ruling party in its coverage of elections as was observed during the 2013 elections. The SADC PF Mission, therefore, urges for ethical and balanced reporting during elections.
The Mission also noted the robust use of social media especially in urban areas, by various political parties, candidates and other stakeholders as a tool for communication. The Mission however, received concerns on the abuse of social media and the negative impact it has on political participation of women.
6.10 Gender Mainstreaming and Participation of Women
The Mission notes that out of the 23 Presidential candidates, only 4 candidates were women, while out of the 1631 direct election National Assembly candidates, only 240 (14.7%) were women. The same pattern replicated itself in the local authority elections where out of 6576 candidates, 1132 (17.21%) were women. The SADC PF Mission noted that most of the political parties did not have deliberate policies to promote the inclusion of women as candidates in accordance with the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
The Mission commends the provision in the law for 60 quota seats for women in the National Assembly and the 'zebra system' for Senatorial seats where the law requires that the first candidate on the list should be a woman.
6.11 Electoral Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
The Mission commends the amendment to the Electoral Act to provide for the setting up of Multi-Party Liaison Committee's (MPLCs) at least 12 months prior to the date of election as opposed to soon after the sitting of Nomination Courts as was the case before. The MPLCs are a strategic platform for alternative dispute resolution and consensus building between political parties and ZEC. The Mission witnessed the MPLCs in operation at national and provincial levels.
6.12 Voting, Counting and Declaration of Results
ZEC deployed sufficient numbers of staff to manage polling stations and the officers were evidently trained and they managed the process professionally. Voting proceeded smoothly in most polling stations observed by the Mission teams. The Mission also commends the polite and helpful way Electoral Officials liaised with political party agents in resolving issues during the voting, verification and counting process.
There were adequate polling stations with clear signage in most cases. Most polling stations visited by the Mission's teams on Election Day opened at 0700 hours and closed at 1900 hours in line with the law.
Voting materials were available in adequate quantities and voting proceeded smoothly in a peaceful environment. The polling station design guaranteed the secrecy of the vote. Voters who were already queued up by 1900 hours were allowed to vote in line with the law.
The counting process was done in a stringent and orderly manner following procedures. All reconciliations were done in consultation with and to the satisfaction of party agents. However, some polling stations particularly temporary structures, did not have adequate lighting and this slowed the counting process.
The Mission commends the posting of results for each polling station outside the respective polling station.
7. GOOD FEATURES AND PRACTICES FROM THE 2018 ZIMBABWE HARMONISED ELECTIONS
The Mission observed the following features and good practices from the 2018 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections:
i) The mature and tolerant manner in which Zimbabweans conducted themselves prior to the elections, on Election Day and in the immediate post-election period.
ii) Higher voter turnout at most polling stations.
iii) The peaceful and conducive environment in which the 2018 elections were held.
iv) Timely distribution of election materials and deployment of trained polling officers as well as security personnel.
v) The stringent and orderly manner in which ZEC managed the voting and counting process on Election Day.
vi) Use of technology by ZEC during the voter registration and verification exercise.
vii) The provision in the law for the setting up of Multi-Party Liaison Committee's (MPLCs) at least 12 months prior to the date of election as opposed to soon after the sitting of Nomination Courts as was the case in the past.
viii) ZEC's preparation of a comprehensive and credible voters' roll during their first attempt at applying biometric technology.
ix) The introduction of polling station-based voters roll and polling station specific voting.
x) Introduction of legal provisions to ensure the mainstreaming of gender in the entire electoral process.
xi) Opening-up of funding regulations to enable CSOs to receive external funding directly as opposed to via ZEC for purposes of conducting voter education.
xii) Provisions in the law which limits the maximum number of ballot papers that can be printed for any election to not more than 10% of the number of registered voters eligible to vote in the election.
xiii) Decentralised structure of the ZEC which allowed the ZEC to effectively discharge its mandate working hand in hand with stakeholders at Constituency, District, Provincial and National levels.
xiv) Prioritisation of special groups such as those with disabilities, the elderly and pregnant mothers during voting in order to ensure they exercise their right to vote.
xv) The high number of polling stations to ensure that all voters have easy access to the polling stations.
xvi) Nationwide civic and voter education by ZEC assisted by CSOs and political parties to generate interest in and knowledge of the voting process.
xvii) The provision within electoral legislation for the establishment of an Electoral Court which is required to resolve post-electoral disputes within 3 months of being lodged with it and the resolution of possible appeals to the Supreme Court and which appeals are required to be determined within 6 months.
xviii) Counting and declaration of ballots at polling stations and the posting results outside the polling station.
xix) The legal requirement for announcing the election outcome within five days.
xx) The Gazetting of the polling day, (30th July 2018) as a public holiday to enable as many Zimbabweans as possible to exercise their democratic right to vote.
xxi) Number of women in ZEC including the Commissioners and electoral officials.
xxii)Public denouncing of political violence by the leadership of the main political parties as well as other stakeholders such as religious groups and civil society.
xxiii) The use of national IDs as proof of identification during voting instead of having separate voting cards and readily accessibility of national IDs for those who would have lost them during the election period.
8. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Mission observes the following as areas requiring improvement to further enhance the credibility and integrity of elections in Zimbabwe:
i) The need to promulgate the law to govern the regulation of political parties in Zimbabwe.
ii) The need for ZEC to improve on its communication strategy for purposes of confidence building with stakeholders.
iii) The need for ZEC to engage political parties and stakeholders to establish consensus on measures to enhance transparency in the management of elections, in particular, the printing, storage and transportation of ballot papers.
iv) The need to strengthen the legal framework governing media coverage of elections in order to enhance fair, balanced and responsible reporting by the media especially the public media.
v) The need to develop strong legal and administrative mechanisms to encourage and support the adoption of women as candidates so as to ensure gender parity in political and decision-making positions in line with the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
vi) Need to improve lighting in polling stations especially in temporary structures.
vii) The need to streamline the counting process to make it less tedious.
viii)The need to standardise timelines for the verification of ballot papers.
9. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE 2018 ZIMBABWE HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Based on its overall findings of the electoral processes to date, the Mission is satisfied that there existed a conducive and peaceful environment in which the Elections were conducted. This accorded Zimbabweans the opportunity to freely express their will in voting for the candidates of their choice.
The observed pre-election period from 14 July, the Election Day and immediate post-election period as at 31 July 2018, was observed to be peaceful, free and transparent.
SADC PF will continue to observe the post-election process, including the final declaration of results and post-election developments, and will pronounce itself ultimately in its Final Report.
I thank you
[1] The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) is a Regional inter-parliamentary forum for national Parliaments of SADC Member States established in 1996 and was approved by the SADC Summit in 1997 as a consultative and deliberative body in accordance with Article 9 (2) of the SADC Treaty. It is currently composed of 14 National Parliaments, namely Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
SADC PF Mourns Theo-Ben Gurirab
20 Jul 2018Staff Writer
The SADC Parliamentary Forum has joined the Government, people of Namibia and the international community in expressing deepest condolences following the passing on of Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia and also former President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
In a statement, the President of SADC PF, Fernando da Piedade Dais dos Santos, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, said death had robbed the world of a “liberation hero, diplomat par excellence and an internationalist.”
Gurirab died on Saturday 14 July 2018. He served as Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia after the late Dr. Mose Tjitendero, the founding Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Namibia who was also the founding Chairperson of the SADC PF.
President of SADC PF, Fernando da Piedade Dais dos Santos, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly of AngolaDos Santos said Namibia was not only instrumental in establishing the SADC PF, but continues to host the Forum’s Secretariat.
“As a result, the SADC PF has benefitted from the wise stewardship of three successive Speakers of the National Assembly. This bears testimony to Namibia’s commitment to the SADC Integration Agenda and to the Forum, which is the voice of SADC Parliamentarians,” he said.
Dos Santos recalled that in 2007, SADC Parliamentarians nominated Gurirab as their candidate for the coveted position of President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
“Subsequently the African continent unanimously endorsed his candidature. Hon. Dr. Gurirab was elected by more than 170 parliaments and served from 2008 to 2011,” he said.
He said Gurirab took Parliamentary diplomacy to new heights in that during his tenure, the IPU was granted observer status by the United Nations.
“By supporting the call for the transformation of the SADC PF into a SADC Regional Parliament, Hon. Dr. Gurirab advocated for the appreciation of Parliamentary diplomacy in the SADC Region.”
Dos Santos said the greatest honour that the SADC Region could bestow “on this gentle giant” is to heed the call for the establishment of a SADC Regional Parliament.
“The upcoming 38th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government which will be held on 17th – 18th August 2018 in Windhoek, presents a golden opportunity,” Dos Santos said.
He noted Gurirab’s commitment and role in shaping the international development agenda.
“The leadership he provided during his tenure as President of the United Nations General Assembly (1999-2000) led to the development of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs.) The MDGs laid the foundation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the current international blueprint,” he said.
Quoting the vision statement of the 17 SDGs which run from 2015 to 2030, dos Santos said: “We can be the first generation to end extreme poverty, the most determined generation in history to end injustice and inequality, and the last generation to be threatened by climate change.”
He encouraged the world to recommit to serving humanity in honour of Gurirab.
… as SADC PF denounces attacks at rallies
Staff Writer in Luanda, Angola
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, Adv. Jacob Mudenda has briefed the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum on Zimbabwe's preparedness for harmonised elections scheduled for July 30 2018.
Mudenda spoke on Thursday immediately after the 14-member regional body issued a strongly-worded statement condemning a suspected grenade attack at a rally that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had addressed in Bulawayo on 23 June 2018. The statement, read out on behalf of the Forum by Mozambican Parliamentarian Jaine Bessa Augusto Neto, also condemned a grenade attack that appeared to have targeted Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Rt. Hon. Abiy Ahmed, on the same day.
"We strongly condemn these heinous and barbaric acts of terrorism which are an affront, to the peace and tranquillity prevailing both in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia and the African continent as a whole," the statement read.
The Plenary, which is the supreme decision-making of the SADC PF said the region's MPs could not remain silent while "criminals and violence perpetrators attempt to create instability, chaos and despondency in these two sovereign States, in the Region and in Africa in general, by subverting the will of the people to be governed democratically and peacefully".
The Plenary enjoined the people of Zimbabwe and Ethiopia to remain united in the face of "cowardly and desperate attacks" on their sovereignty and democracy.
Through the statement, the SADC Parliamentary Forum conveyed condolences to the families of people who died in the attacks and wished the many that were injured speedy recovery.
"The law must take its full course in pursuing and bringing to book the enemies of peace who committed these heinous acts of terrorism," the Plenary said.
The SADC PF statement followed a similar statement by the President of Angola Joao Lourencio.
Mudenda told the Plenary that Zimbabwe's election roadmap for the harmonised elections was formally set in motion by a Proclamation issued by President Mnangagwa, setting July 30 as the date for the Elections.
"Section 143 (1) of our Constitution clearly provides that the life of Parliament is five years beginning on the day the President-Elect was sworn in and that Parliament stands dissolved at midnight on the day before the first day of the elections which is 29 July 2018. Section 158 (1) of our Constitution states that a general election must be held not more than thirty days before the expiry of the five-year period specified in section 143 (3) of the national Constitution cited above. Accordingly, nomination courts sat on 14th June 2018," Mudenda explained.
He said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, is an independent Commission established in terms of section 238 of the Constitution to manage Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Authority elections, would prepare for, conduct and supervise elections "in such a manner that they are conducted efficiently, freely, fairly and transparently in accordance with the Electoral law as provided for in section 239(a) of our Constitution".
The Speaker said all election observers would be accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in terms of section 239(i) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
He revealed that pre-election observation missions from the United States, European Union, the United Nations and the Commonwealth had already visited Zimbabwe while the Electoral Commission had assured Zimbabwe and the international community that the elections would be conducted democratically in a peaceful political environment.
Mudenda said the "mushrooming" of 128 political Parties and a record 23 Presidential candidates set to participate in the elections was proof of the transparent democratic space unprecedented since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980.
"In the same vein, media coverage for the electoral process has been pervasive and inclusive of all political Parties."
He said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had since produced copies of the updated voters' roll for inspection by the public and political parties.
"It should also be noted that the current elections will be conducted using a biometric voters' roll similar to the Namibian experience. As at 29 th May 2018, a total of 5 524 188 people had registered to vote. In terms of our law, the registration for voters stopped 12 days after the close of the Nomination Courts."
Noting that the Zimbabwean Head of State had categorically stated on numerous occasions that the country would conduct free, transparent, fair and credible elections, Mudenda said all political parties had been campaigning freely in the country.
"A number of countries and international organisations such as the Commonwealth, the African Union, the European Union, the Swedish government, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Republican International Institute have sent teams to pre-assess the prevailing electoral environment before rolling out their observation teams."
He said the teams had concluded that the electoral environment was conducive to holding free, fair, transparent and possibly credible elections.
"To bolster this scenario … all the 23 Presidential candidates signed a PEACE PLEDGE on 26th June 2018 to the effect that all these candidates must be advocates for peaceful elections before, during and after their conclusion."
Additionally, he said, electoral courts had been established in the country's ten provinces to deal with all electoral breaches expeditiously.
Meanwhile, the President of SADC PF will no longer have to hit the table with his or her clenched fist to call for order. This after Mozambique donated a hammer to the President on Thursday.
… as SADC PF Plenary gets underway
Staff Writer
The 43rd Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) got underway here on Monday with the President of Angola strongly denouncing suspected grenade attacks that appeared to have targeted the leaders of Zimbabwe and Ethiopia recently.
Last Saturday an explosion rocked White City Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city where President Emmerson Mnangagwa had been addressing a rally. Although the Zimbabwean Head of State escaped unscathed, nearly 50 people including his two deputies were injured. Reports now indicate that two of those injured have succumbed to their injuries. Also last week, a grenade exploded killing two people and injuring many others at a rally for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.
Angolan President, Joao LourencoWhile officially opening the SADC PF Plenary Session, Angolan President Joao Lourenco strongly condemned the attack that took place in Zimbabwe at a public rally as "cowardly, criminal and undemocratic."
He encouraged Zimbabweans to continue working toward holding elections scheduled for 30 July 2018. Angola chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, a body created by SADC to deal with peace and security matters in the SADC region. Lourenco said the attacks in Bulawayo and Addis Ababa must be condemned because they sought to undermine efforts that are ongoing toward holding democratic elections, particularly in Zimbabwe.
He said the attacks were reprehensible, also, because they happened at a political rally where many innocent people could be maimed or killed while exercising their civil liberties which are enshrined in the Constitution as well as in the constitutive instruments of SADC, including the revised principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.
Turning to regional integration and development, the Angolan Head of State called for concerted efforts towards the SADC region's industrialization and optimum use of its natural resources.
The Plenary Assembly session is being held under the theme: Deepening SADC Economic Integration Through Industrialization: The Role of Parliament. Lourenco said the theme was apt given current socioeconomic challenges within the SADC Region that include inability to respond to the needs of the youth in terms of employment.
Observers say industrialization can ensure that as economies of SADC Member States grow, they yield tangible benefits for young people, many of whom have nothing to lose or gain from what has been described as jobless economic growth in some circles.
The SADC PF has been in existence for 21 years and discussions around the role of Members of Parliament in consolidating its gains are gaining traction, with some people citing delays in transforming it into a SADC Regional Parliament as a serious institutional gap thwarting regional integration.
Lourenco reaffirmed his country's commitment to the regional integration agenda and in supporting the role of Parliament. He told delegates that the issue of SADC PF's transformation into a SADC Regional Parliament was being considered at the highest level in Angola and would be discussed at the next summit for SADC Heads of State and Government scheduled for Namibia.
President of SADC Parliamentary Forum and The Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos The Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, is President of SADC PF. Speaking at the same occasion, he called for new and innovative strategies to promote rapid regional economic integration.
SADC PF Acting Secretary General Ms. Boemo Sekgoma told the Angolan President that the Forum had evolved "to tackle issues of major concern to the SADC Region such as good governance, trade, women empowerment, gender equality, and HIV and AIDS, among others."
Sekgoma said as the main policy organ of the SADC PF, the Plenary Assembly had consistently provided a platform which had helped to shape policy and parliamentary processes in all SADC Member States. She explained that 12 SADC Member States were represented.
Notable among delegates attending the plenary are: Hon Fernando da Piedade Dias, Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola; the Rt. Hon Siphiri Motanyane, Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho; Hon Veronica Nathaniel Macamo Dlhova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Mozambique; Hon Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia; Hon Nicholas Prea, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles; Hon Baleka Mbete, Speaker of Parliament of South Africa; and Hon Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe.
The Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Mauritius are absent with apologies. The East African Legislative Assembly and the Pan African Parliament sent representatives who reiterated the importance of regional parliaments in fostering regional integration.
The 43rd Plenary Assembly Session is being held in the Palace of the National Assembly of Angola, marking the first time that it has been held in a building of a Member Parliament. Some delegates say the fact that Angola put its majestic parliament at the disposal of the Forum during this Plenary is procedurally significant.
Said one delegate: "It is a demonstration of the readiness and the acceptance of by the membership of SADC PF that we are indeed a parliament that has come of age. It speaks to the issue of transformation that SADC PF has been pushing for."
From Moses Magadza in Luanda, Angola
Luanda - Members of Parliament (MPs) from different SADC Member States attending the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum were bracing for a busy time with important reports and motions set for consideration after the Plenary began in earnest on Wednesday.
The MPs were expected to receive and debate a number of key motions as they tackle common challenges affecting the SADC Region. The Plenary began with an official opening ceremony and a symposium on Monday. This Plenary, which is the ultimate decision-making body of SADC PF, will consider a report of the Forum’s Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee is the management board of the Forum which provides stewardship over management and financial matters of the institution, which brings together 14 National Parliaments and approximately 2 500 MPs throughout the SADC Region.
Acting SADC PF Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma said early this week that the Executive Committee would present three reports: on general management of the institution, on financial matters and a one related to amendment to the rules and constitution of the Forum with a view to strengthen certain areas - including establishment of a forum for chairpersons of Standing Committees and the Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC).
The Plenary was set to receive and consider reports from all Standing Committees of the SADC PF that met prior to the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session. A joint session of some Standing Committees was also on the cards.
Sekgoma said in terms of motions, topical ones were expected to be moved. One of the motions would focus on strengthening developmental States in Southern Africa as an alternative model to the neo-liberal developmental framework. Honourable Siphosezwe Masango of South Africa was expected to move that motion.
Another motion would be on engagement with the Parliaments of Comoros and Madagascar to encourage them to join SADC PF. This after their governments have already joined SADC and have been formally admitted.
A motion calling for concerted efforts to combat sexual harassment in the workplace throughout the region is expected from Hon. Regina Esparon of Seychelles.
Botswana’s Hon. Polson Majaga, was set to move a motion calling on MPs to take concrete steps to address the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security in the SADC Region, given the huge number of people who rely on agriculture.
South Africa’s Stevens Mokgalapa, MP, was expected to move a motion calling on SADC Parliaments to do more to sustain efforts to promote electoral integrity in the Region.
ATTENTION: SADC Members of Parliament stand at attention as the National anthem of Angola is played at the start of the 43rd Plenary Assembly Session of SADC PF in Lunda, Angola. Photo: Moses MagadzaThis motion follows a decision by the 39th Plenary Assembly of SADC PF which met in the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2016 and resolved to develop a SADC Model Law on Elections against the backdrop of the adoption of the Revised SADC Guidelines and Principles Governing Democratic Elections.
This motion comes in the context of a very busy electoral calendar in the SADC Region between 2018 and 2019, during which 10 SADC Member States are expected to hold elections. In 2018 Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar and the Kingdom of Eswatini will hold elections. In 2019, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique Namibia and Mauritius will also go to the polls.
South Africa’s veteran politician Rosalia Morutoa is expected to move a motion on gender dimensions to land ownership and agricultural industrialization in Southern Africa.
In all, 12 of the 14 SADC PF Member Parliaments are represented at this Plenary and observers say the fact that many of the national delegations are being headed by Speakers shows the seriousness with with SADC Member States take the SADC PF and the work that it does.
In recent years the Forum has developed Model Laws to address common regional challenges that include child marriages, notably with financial support from Sweden and Norway who supported a four-year project to build the capacity of MPs to advocate for universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, HIV and AIDS services. Plans are underway to develop a SADC Model Law on key populations as the region strives to ensure that no one is left behind or falls through the crack towards.
This is the third time that Angola is hosting the SADC PF Plenary. A delegation of 11 members led by Hon Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly, is representing Namibia at the Plenary Session.
The SADC Parliamentary Forum has for some time now been dealing with certain matters of an administrative, governance and policy nature guided by resolutions of its Plenary Assembly as well tasks assigned its various sub committees. The Executive Committee of the Forum met in Windhoek, Namibia from 31 May to 1 June 2018 to deliberate on some of the matters. The Sub Committees duly tabled their reports on their various assignments.
Informed by the findings of these Sub Committees, the Executive Committee has taken a decision to place the Secretary General of SADC PF on suspension pending the institution of disciplinary proceedings on the various issues raised by the Sub Committees. The Secretary General has, therefore been placed on suspension accordingly.
A Disciplinary tribunal has also been established comprising five members and chaired by Hon. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, MP which will commence its work immediately to ensure that this matter is settled expeditiously in the best interests of all parties concerned.
In the interim, the Director of Programmes, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma has been appointed as the Acting Secretary General.
This remains an internal matter and the Executive Committee assures all its cooperating partners and stakeholders that all its decisions are to ensure proper governance and the highest levels of accountability.
THIS COMMUNIQUE IS ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM, HONOURABLE SPEAKER FERNANDO DA PIEDADE DIAS DOS SANTOS
Staff Writer
The SADC Parliamentary Forum has expressed profound sadness following the passing on of former diplomat and Member of Parliament Nora Schimming-Chase.
In a statement, SADC PF Secretary General, Dr Esau Chiviya offered “deepest condolences” to the Government and people of Namibia as well as the entire Schimming-Chase family.
“A respected diplomat and fearless advocate of the rights of women and girls, Hon Schimming-Chase diligently served as Vice-Chairperson of the SADC PF from 15th November 2006 to 27 November 2008. Whenever she presided over the Plenary Assembly Session in place of the Chairperson, she did so with unrivalled eloquence and firmness,” Chiviya said.
The SG said Schimming-Chase once served, also, as a Member of the HIV and AIDS Standing Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum from June 2006 to November 2008.
SADC PF Secretary General, Dr Esau Chiviya“Overall, she devoted a lot of her time and energy furthering the ideals of SADC PF. Namibia and indeed the continent have lost a steadfast advocate for human rights. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives were positively impacted by this great woman. Her passing on is a major loss,” he said.
His Royal Highness Prince Guduza, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of Swaziland, who also once served as chairperson of the SADC PF expressed “great shock and a deep sense of sadness” following Schimming –Chase’s death.
“I recall with gratitude how much of a very wise and intelligent person she was. She added value to the very many important tasks that the SADC PF had charged us with,” HRH Guduza said in a statement.
He said the late Schimming-Chase supported ongoing efforts to transform the SADC PF into a Regional Parliament. He added that she a stickler for optimal use of scarce resources at the Forum and cherished peace and tranquillity.
“She was instrumental in motivating Presiding Officers (Speakers) from various countries that are represented in the SADC PF, to go on a goodwill mission and ascertain that the government of Zimbabwe was operating in conformity with the guidelines and dictates of the Government of National Unity (GNU.)”
HRH Guduza said the former diplomat had remarkable leadership qualities, exuded authority and diligently presided over the Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC PF whenever she acted as Chairperson.
“She was an extraordinarily brilliant and gifted person.”
Botswana’s former MP Ambassador Duke LefhokoBotswana’s former MP Ambassador Duke Lefhoko, described the late Chase as “the embodiment of kindness, resoluteness, candidness, excellence and diplomatic finesse.”
He said” “She was endowed with the true lion heart trait that I find common among women rather than men.”
He added that Schimming-Chase was a brave woman.
Amb Lefhoko worked with her within the SADC PF when he was Treasurer and subsequently Vice Chairperson of the Forum.
“We participated together in some Election Observation Missions in the SADC Region. She was meticulous at work.”
He recalled that Schimming-Chase was deeply hurt and shed a tear when the Executive within the SADC Region “dealt the SADC Tribunal a fatal blow.”
He said Schimming-Chase was a “true democrat” and said her passing on was a loss not only to Namibia, SADC and Africa, but the rest of the world.
“She possessed a rare trait of being an avid listener and a leader in conversation,” he concluded.
Lesotho bites the bullet on key populations
17 Apr 2018Staff Writer
MASERU- The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho will soon begin a process of reviewing and where necessary, reforming national laws and policies as the country takes bold steps to ensure greater access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, HIV and AIDS services for all her citizens.
Recent outreach and oversight missions to various health and correctional facilities in parts of Lesotho by Members of Parliament and Senators exposed gaps in the country’s SRHR, HIV and AIDS response which were negatively affecting some citizens, especially key populations.
The MPs and Senators who belong to the Social Cluster, HIV and AIDS and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Committees in the National Assembly, met various people including sex workers and members of the LGBTI community. They then compiled reports which they shared during unprecedented roundtable discussions with Cabinet Ministers and Permanent Secretaries of relevant line government Ministries here last week.
In impassioned submissions, the lawmakers implored the Ministers to take decisive steps to ensure that the rights of all citizens including key populations were upheld so that universal access to SRHR, HIV and AIDS services becomes a reality.
The Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Correctional Services, Hon Mokhele Moletsane, one of the Ministers that received the reports, immediately took heed and promised action.
In an exclusive interview, the Minister commended the lawmakers for undertaking the oversight missions and for sharing their findings.
“This has been a very useful and important gathering where, as Ministers, MPs, Non-Governmental Organisations and government officials we interacted on very important issues of HIV and AIDS in relation to the so-called key populations,” he said.
He added that the meeting had enabled stakeholders to better appreciate the work that the SADC Parliamentary Forum was doing in responding to the global HIV and AIDS epidemic under the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project that Sweden and Norway are funding in seven SADC Member States including Lesotho.
“The invitation by the Portfolio Committee to Ministries that are directly working with Key Populations (the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Correctional Services which deals with safe custody of inmates; Ministry of Gender; the Ministry of Health; and the Ministry of Social Development which is the custodian of vulnerable people) was well thought-out.”
He said the reports shared by the MPs and Senators had enabled him to better appreciate “the peculiar needs of prisoners, women and men who form a substantial part of the population in our prisons.”
The Minister added: “This was an eye-opener. We should always bear in mind that we don’t talk only of females and males in our population. We should remember that there is the LGBTI community. As we provide services, we should remember that they are part of the nation. Like everybody else, they have rights.”
Pressed on what needs to be done going forward, Hon Moletsane was clear.
“We should now embark on a rigorous transformation of our legal framework. We must come up with new laws to cater for key populations. We need new policies. Parliamentarians should embark on that rigorous reform to cater also for the needs of special groups within our institutions.”
Hon Moletsane expressed optimism that the Social Cluster and Parliamentary Committee on HIV and AIDS would help the Government of Lesotho to develop laws and policies “to take care of everybody.”
He said as a follow up, he would invite all relevant stakeholders to his Ministry “so that we embark on a review of any piece of legislation that needs to be repealed or amended so that we realise the rights of every citizen, especially prison inmates.”
Asked what had struck him the most from the reports shared by the lawmakers, Hon Molestane first took a deep breath before saying: “The realities in our communities and the level of our ignorance as a society. We know gay people exist, but we have never taken time to understand their special situation and their special needs.”
He said what the lawmakers reported following their interactions with different members of the community including key populations warranted the full attention of the Executive and Parliament.
“We need to respond to these challenges, whether through the national budget or legal reforms. We can no longer ignore or pretend that these (key populations) do not exist. We have to act,” he said.
BITING THE BULLET: From left: Hon. Mahlompho Mokaeane, Deputy Minister of Gender and Sports; Hon. Manthabiseng Phohleli, Deputy Minister of Health; Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Correctional Services, Hon Mokhele Moletsane; and Hon. Nkaku Kabi, Minister of Health react to reports by MPs and Senators on the plight of key populations in Lesotho. Photo: Moses Magadza
He commended the MPs and Senators for throwing light on matters that for long had been skirted.
“They are determined to work and enlighten us. When it is done at this high level of governance, it says a lot. Parliament is taking its mandate seriously.”
He said Lesotho was going through exciting times towards universal access to SRHR, HIV and AIDS services. He called for all hands on board.
“Let us join hands and look into the future so that we can celebrate being part of that change. As an individual and as an official of government, I am determined … to be part of those willing to bring about change,” he said.
Hon Moletsane said he was keenly alive to the challenges that lay ahead.
“It is not going to be easy. We are a religious community but I am going to add my voice to numerous voices that are already advocating for change.”
He said he would instruct officials in his Ministry to engage all stakeholders to be part of the envisaged transformation. He commended the SADC PF for building the capacity of MPs to advocate for universal access to SRHR, HIV and AIDS services and said enlightened lawmakers can make a huge difference.
“The importance of MPs cannot be over-emphasized. If MPs have a better appreciation of the needs of special populations, it would be very easy for us to work with them to respond to these challenges. People look up to us as leaders to wisely legislate to empower them.”
Other Ministers who attended the discussion are: Hon. Matebatso Doti, Minister of Social Development; Hon. Mokhele Moletsane, Minister of Justice and Correctional Service; Hon. Nkaku Kabi, Minister of Health
Hon. Mahlompho Mokaeane, Deputy Minister of Gender and Sports; Hon. Maphoka Motoboli, Deputy Minister of Education, and Hon. Manthabiseng Phohleli, Deputy Minister of Health.