Why Zimbabwe must allow diaspora vote

Zimbabwe witnessed its national election in August 2023, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zanu-PF securing his second term in office. However, the presidential election was not immune to criticism of irregularities noted by regional and international observers, casting a cloud of doubt on the credibility of the election. While section 67(3) of its Constitution states every Zimbabwean citizen of or over 18 years of age has the right to vote in all elections, section 72 of its Electoral Act states postal voting is limited to the person on duty as a member of a disciplined force, or as an electoral officer or on duty in the service of the government outside Zimbabwe or their spouse. ‘This means that emigrants can only vote by physically returning to their respective constituencies in Zimbabwe,’ says Tendai Mikioni, a research assistant at the iNtaka Centre for Law & Technology at UCT. In his Thought Leader column on the Mail & Guardian Online site, Mikioni says many Zimbabweans scattered outside their home country find it impossible and impractical to go back to vote in Zimbabwe – due to the cost of travelling, employment constraints and educational demands. ‘This means most Zimbabweans are disenfranchised. This must not happen. This should not be happening. This has been happening.’

Mikioni believes introduction and implementation of a diaspora vote mechanism can remedy this problem. This is not unusual in the world of politics and mature democracies – SA allows any registered voter at the age of or above 18 with a valid South African ID to vote in national elections. He points out Zimbabwe obtained its independence in 1980; it is irrational to expect Zimbabwe to remain a democratic toddler. ‘It must by now have joined its peers who have democratically matured. A diaspora vote that is credible and fair should be a pillar of the democratic, free and fair Zimbabwe.’ Mikioni notes denying diaspora votes is blamed on a Zanu-PF plan to manipulate polls. ‘Despite increasing demands from opposition leaders and activists, the ruling party has blocked every effort to amend the laws to allow Zimbabweans living abroad to vote.’ He says Zimbabwe must amend its laws and mandate the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to implement mechanisms that enable the diaspora to vote. ‘The fact that the right to vote is constitutionally provided should compel the legislature to amend the Electoral Act.’