Section 155: Principles of electoral system
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Elections, which must be held regularly, and referendums, to which this Constitution applies must be—
(a) peaceful, free and fair;
(b) conducted by secret ballot;
(c) based on universal adult suffrage and equality of votes; and
(d) free from violence and other electoral malpractices.
(2) The State must take all appropriate measures, including legislative measures, to ensure that effect is given to the principles set out in subsection (1) and, in particular, must—
(a) ensure that all eligible citizens, that is to say the citizens qualified under the Fourth
Schedule, are registered as voters;
(b) ensure that every citizen who is eligible to vote in an election or referendum has an
opportunity to cast a vote, and must facilitate voting by persons with disabilities or
special needs;
(c) ensure that all political parties and candidates contesting an election or participating in
a referendum have reasonable access to all material and information necessary for
them to participate effectively;
(d) provide all political parties and candidates contesting an election or participating in a
referendum with fair and equal access to electronic and print media, both public and
private; and
(e) ensure the timely resolution of electoral disputes.
Key Insight: Democratic Safeguards
This section establishes Zimbabwe's commitment to democratic principles by mandating not just free and fair elections, but also creating specific obligations for the State to ensure meaningful participation. It goes beyond abstract principles by requiring practical measures like voter registration, accessibility for disabled voters, equal media access, and timely dispute resolution—essentially creating a framework to prevent electoral manipulation and ensure genuine democratic expression.