Author Archives: David Coltart
Elections are a process, from one poll to the next
New Era Namibia By Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro 23 May 2014 “Electoral Integrity in Africa†was the subject of interrogation, and/or reflection at a panel discussion hosted by the Hans Seidel Foundation, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the Nangof Trust last week in Windhoek. The discussion, moderated by IPPR Executive Director, Graham Hopwood, was […]
A report on a conference “Detecting and Deterring Electoral Fraud and Malpractices in Africaâ€
The Electoral Integrity Project By Dr Ferran Martinez i Coma of the Electoral Integrity Project, University of Sydney 19th May 2014 A conference “Detecting and Deterring Electoral Fraud and Malpractices in Africa†was held in Windhoek (Namibia) from 12 to 15 May.  The event was organized by the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Institute for Public Policy Research and it […]
Namibian Electoral law reforms under scrutiny
New Era By Mathias Haufiku 17th May 2014 WINDHOEK – The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is not impressed with lawmakers scrambling to amend the electoral law only during an election year. “For those of us who are believers in democracy and governance I must admit that changing laws in an election year is not […]
National Arts Council sets new party-pooper rules
SW Radio Africa By Nomalanga Moyo 16 May 2014 The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has set new requirements for international artists wishing to perform in the country. Under the new rules, promoters or event organisers wishing to bring in foreign artists should also submit police clearances for each individual artist, in addition to the […]
Electoral Commission of Nambia aims to produce clean Voters’ Roll
The Namibian 15th May 2014 By Ndanki  Kahiurika The Director of Elections, Paul Isaak, is confident that the Electoral Commission of Namibia will produce a clean voters’ roll this year. Speaking to The Namibian yesterday after the panel discussion on the Electoral Integrity in Africa held at the NamPower Convention Centre on Tuesday, Isaak said the […]
“Making Indigenisation Work”
Herald Opinion piece By Reason Wafawarova 15th May 2014 It is not hyperbole to suggest that Zimbabwe stands in a telling dilemma between classical liberalism and libertarian socialism. Some would argue that the real dilemma is between blatant liberal capitalism and state capitalism, but it is hard to contextualise the indigenisation policy within the confines […]
Dokora’s decision is premature
Newsday Editorial 29th April 2014 THE landmark sweeping changes made by Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora over the past few months cannot go unchallenged. The new policy directives are likely to reverse gains made during the era of his predecessor David Coltart. Despite being a non-educationist, Coltart literally resurrected the sector, as when […]
Zimbabwe’s opposition – a Greek tragedy
BBC News Africa By Andrew Harding 29th April 2014 It is a story with some of the qualities of a Greek tragedy. A brave warrior rallies his countrymen to try to oust an unjust king. For years they struggle, enduring great hardship and showing true courage. Then one day the king – also weakened by […]
One way or another, Tsvangirai looks weaker than ever
Bulawayo24News By Simon Allison 28th April 2014 Pity Morgan Tsvangirai. The veteran Zimbabwean opposition leader is facing a little opposition of his own, and he’s not coping too well. His party looks certain to split yet again, destroying in the process one of the few remaining challenges to uninterrupted Zanu-PF rule. Mugabe is loving […]
Opposition MDC suspends Morgan Tsvangirai
BBC News Africa 26th April 2014 Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change says it is suspending its leader Morgan Tsvangirai, amid deepening divisions in its ranks. A statement issued by the party after a meeting in Harare accused him of a “remarkable failure of leadership”. It also said he had deviated from the party’s […]