Southern African Expert Mission to Zimbabwe on gender and elections
| Gender Links
This paper sets out key issues and options for the increased representation of women in politics in Zimbabwe following the 2018 elections that witnessed a decline in women’s political representation at national and local level. The matter is of critical importance given:
- The provisions of Article 17 of the Constitution for women’s equal and effective representation in all areas of decision-making;
- The fact that the 30% quota for women at national level is expiring in 2023.
- The fact that there are presently no special measures in place for women at the local level.
These facts present both a threat and an opportunity – to debate electoral systems and quotas, both in relation to gender equality and to democratic practise more broadly. SADC abounds with examples of every possible combination of electoral system and quotas.