Elections

WITH the presidential elections just around the corner, provisionally set for 31 July, tensions are high with a recent swell of infighting as political parties draw up primary election guidelines and hold their internal polls. However, the conflict has been ongoing

especially since female politicians have criticisedpolitical parties’ hollow commitment to equal representation of women.The lack of quotas for women in local government has also become burning issue,not only for aspiring female politicians, but also for all Zimbabwean women.

On 3 July, the UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Programme (LEAP) organized the EU-funded workshop “Electoral Systems and Women’s Participation” in Beirut -where local candidates, activists and members from the international community came together to discuss how different electoral systems may facilitate greater participation by women in the upcoming Lebanese elections.

MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube has defended the inclusion of the party’s secretary-general Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga on the list of women’s quota under proportional representation in Matabeleland South province.

In an interview after the MDC Gwanda central district assembly in Gwanda town on Sunday, Prof Ncube said Mrs Misihairabwi-Mushonga had every right to contest in Matabeleland South as she originated from the province. He said Mrs Misihairabwi-Mushonga’s name was also brought forward by the provincial assembly.

In partnership with Karama, the Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace (LWPP) organized an urgent two-day consultation in Tripoli starting 6 June to address the recently-issued electoral law which will govern the selection process for the

The nomination court for the members of the House of Assembly, senatorial, women quarter and provincial councils has begun in different provinces of the country.

In Mashonaland East province the nomination court was officially opened by elections officer Collins Munetsi who is also presiding over the nomination process.

We invite you to read the article published June 28 by Zimbabwe Election

From the next general elections at least five seats in  Samoan Parliament will be occupied by women.