Zimbabwe - Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Treaty

This report addresses Zimbabwe’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with respect to civic participation. Despite constitutional guarantees of political rights, systemic barriers continue to undermine democratic engagement.

This report examines key concerns related to civic participation in Zimbabwe, including (1) the participation of women in public affairs, which is hindered by gender-based violence, low political representation, and economic exclusion; (2) the use of military action and state-sponsored violence to suppress opposition and manipulate elections; (3) structural weaknesses, including corruption and economic elitism, that stifle political rights; and (4) the persistence of a weak legal system, rooted in colonial-era laws, which facilitates authoritarian consolidation of power.

This report recommends that Zimbabwe take concrete steps to strengthen protections for political opposition, expand women’s participation in public life, implement electoral transparency reforms, and establish independent legal and anti-corruption mechanisms to safeguard civic engagement and democratic governance.