NEW: Regional symposium on electoral justice set for Vic Falls

Online Reporter

JUDGES, magistrates and other judicial officers drawn from the African region are set to converge for a regional symposium in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, this month to deliberate on key issues surrounding electoral processes and their role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.

Hosted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the three-day symposium will be running under the theme “Making the Dream of the African Charter a Reality: The Role of the Judiciary in Upholding the Rule of Law with Specific Reference to Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Africa”.

In a statement, the JSC said at least 50 judges from the region have been invited to attend.

“The Judicial Service Commission is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a regional symposium on Electoral Justice at Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls, from January 31 to February 2, 2024.

“The symposium will serve as a platform for sharing experiences, best practices and innovative approaches to electoral justice among the participating nations. It will provide an opportunity for judges to engage in insightful discussions, exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation in this critical area,” read part of the statement.

The event, JSC said, will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops and interactive sessions, enabling participants to explore emerging challenges and identify effective strategies for addressing them.

“The Judicial Service Commission is committed to promoting the rule of law and upholding the independence of the Judiciary.

“By organising this symposium, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of electoral justice principles and enhance the capacity of judges to adjudicate election-related disputes with fairness, impartiality and expertise,” JSC added.

The symposium has been organised by the Africa Electoral Justice Network (AEJN), a regional forum that brings together judges and individuals who adjudicate electoral disputes in courts, tribunals and judicial election management bodies from across the African continent.

The symposium follows the inaugural Africa Regional Electoral Justice Network conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in April 2019, as well as the follow up in-person symposium held in July 2022 in Malawi.