By Correspondent
Harare City will get an additional 14 Councilors in 2023 to increase the total number to 60 from the current 46.
The increase will be a result of the implementation of the 30% women’s quota which will add 14 seats to the current 46.
The additional 30 percent of councillors will be chosen on political party lists based on proportional representation.
“Across Zimbabwe, there will be an additional 587 councillors, on top of the 1 958 councillors currently in office,” says the Harare Residents Trust (HRT).
However, the HRT has questioned the addition of more Councilors alleging the quantitative move makes no quality sense.
“Does adding the number of women achieve gender equity and gender equality?
“The HRT believes that the number of Ward Councillors is immaterial.
“Even 30 Councillors can efficiently run Harare and make good policies, play effective oversight and represent the residents.
It added that the selection of council candidates is what is crucial if they are to make any difference.
HRT added that interference by central government had also become an issue.
“The performance of a council depends entirely on how the national government is prepared to let the councillors perform their duties without interference.
Harare has been struggling to offer quality services and its budgeoning Council composition isn’t expected to make any difference.
Harare is politically controlled by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) but central government has been known to interfere through directives
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