Regional symposium on Electoral Justice to be hosted by Judicial Service Commission in Victoria Falls

THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will be hosting a regional symposium on Electoral Justice in Victoria Falls from 31 January to 2 February 2024 that will bring together judges, legal experts, and scholars from across the region.

The legal fundis will be expected to deliberate on key issues surrounding electoral processes and the role of the judiciary in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

“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. We have extended invitations to 50 esteemed judges from various jurisdictions within the region,” read a statement from the JSC.

Organised by the Africa Electoral Justice Network (AEJN), the symposium will run 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.”

“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. We extend our gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and partners who have generously supported this initiative. Their commitment to the cause of electoral justice reinforces our collective goal of strengthening democratic processes within the region.”

The AEJN, to which Zimbabwe is a member, is 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. It presents such a germane opportunity for the consideration of such issues. The AEJN was established to facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge exchange among a diverse and inclusive group of election arbiters.

“It aims to provide peer support for election judges and arbiters dealing with politically sensitive and challenging disputes and violations, strengthen the capacity of Election Monitoring Bodies and the judiciary to resolve electoral cases and disputes and help entrench and apply norms across the region. In addition, it offers an opportunity to reflect on a growing body of regional jurisprudence and discuss emerging challenges in election litigation – such as the use of electronic evidence related to election technology and court-annexed mediation.