Zimbabwe

Population Statistics

14,229,541

Total Population

2,134,431

Population with a disability

according to World Health Organization’s 15% estimate

Election Dates

13 September 2013

Ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities


Electoral Act (2004, last amended 2008)

Updated: June 2015

Section 51 states:

(1a) Every polling station shall be located in a place that is readily accessible to the public, including persons with physical disabilities.

 

Section 59 states:

(1) Upon request by a voter who is illiterate or physically handicapped and cannot vote in the way set out in section 57, a presiding officer shall

  • (a) permit another person, selected by the voter to assist the voter in exercising his or her vote; or
  • (b) in the absence of a person selected by the voter, assist the voter in exercising his or her vote in the presence of two other electoral officers or employees of the Commission and a police officer on duty.

 

Excerpts from the Electoral Act (2004, last amended 2008)

Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013)

Updated: July 2019

Section 6, subsection 1 states:

The following languages, namely…sign language… are the officially recognized languages of Zimbabwe.

 

Section 6, subsection 4 states:

The State must promote and advance the use of all languages used in Zimbabwe, including sign language, and must create conditions for the development of those languages.

 

Section 22, subsection 1 states:

The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must recognize the rights of persons with physical or mental disabilities, in particular their right to be treated with respect and dignity.

 

Section 22, subsection 2 states:

The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must, within the limits of the resources available to them, assist persons with physical or mental disabilities to achieve their full potential and to minimize the disadvantages suffered by them.

 

Section 22, subsection 3 states:

In particular, the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must:

  • (a) develop programs for the welfare of persons with physical or mental disabilities, especially work programs consistent with their capabilities and acceptable to them or their legal representatives;
  • (b) consider the specific requirements of persons with all forms of disability as one of the priorities in development plans;
  • (c) encourage the use and development of forms of communication suitable for persons with physical or mental disabilities; and
  • (d) foster social organizations aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with all forms of disability.

 

Section 22, subsection 4 states:

The State must take appropriate measures to ensure that buildings and amenities to which the public has access are accessible to persons with disabilities.

 

Section 56, subsection 3 states:

Every person has the right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner on such grounds as their…disability…

 

Section 83 states:

The State must take appropriate measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to ensure that persons with disabilities realize their full mental and physical potential, including measures:

  • (a) to enable them to become self-reliant;
  • (b) to enable them to live with their families and participate in social, creative or recreational activities;
  • (c) to protect them from all forms of exploitation and abuse;
  • (d) to give them access to medical, psychological and functional treatment;
  • (e) to provide special facilities for their education; and
  • (f) to State-funded education and training where they need it.

 

Section 155, subsection 2 states:

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—…

  • (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…

 

Excerpts from the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013)