Section 125: Qualifications and disqualifications for election to National Assembly
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) A person is qualified for election as a Member of the National Assembly if he or sheโ
(a) is registered as a voter; and
(b) is at least twenty-one years of age; unless he or she is disqualified under subsection (2) or (3).
(2) A person is disqualified for election as a Member of the National Assembly ifโ
(a) he or she is disqualified under the Fourth Schedule for registration as a voter; or
(b) within five years before the election, he or she vacated a seat in the Senate or the
National Assembly in terms of section 129(1) (i) through having been convicted of an
offence.
(3) A person is disqualified for election at a by-election in the National Assembly if he or she is a Member of Parliament.
Key Insight: Electoral Integrity Safeguards
This section establishes both basic accessibility (minimum age and voter registration) and important integrity measures. The disqualification of those with recent criminal convictions and those already serving as MPs prevents individuals with compromised records from entering parliament and prevents double representation. These provisions help maintain public trust in elected officials while ensuring broad participation rights.