SADC Elections Observer Mission disappointed by Zim

By Staff Writer

THE SADC Elections Observer Mission has expressed grave concerns over the shortcomings exhibited in the just ended elections in Zimbabwe.

In a Preliminary Report released Friday, SADC through Mission Chairperson Dr. Nevers Mumba noted disregard for basic rights, including Freedoms of Assembly, especially for opposing political party supporters and claims of judicial capture.

Mumba noted disregard for basic rights that include Freedoms of Assembly, especially for opposing political party supporters and claims of judicial capture.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) which shutdown over a hundred Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) rallies and a MDC demonstration using the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) was also accused of being selective in its application of justice.

Mumba, a victim of publicly owned media attacks, highlighted inconsistencies that were brought by passing of the Patriotic Act which he said hindered freedom of expression as enshrined in the Zimbabwean constitution and SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

According to the SADC report, coverage of the elections by state run broadcasters and publications was skewed in favour of ruling Zanu PF, despite noting a few improvements from the last general poll in 2018.

“There were stakeholder concerns about the right to freedom of assembly for election campaign purposes, whereupon the CCC reported that their rallies were being subjected to unreasonable cancellation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” said Mumba.

“We also noted reports that there was inconsistent application of the notice period for election campaign gatherings.”

Mumba said the rural vote could have been compromised by FAZ activities in the country’s outlying areas where villagers were intimidated, had their names and addresses recorded for a yet to be ascertained reason.

FAZ operatives were stationed at most polling stations in rural areas and some in the urban conducting what they terms a ‘Post Election Survey.’

Added Mumba: “The Mission was informed that the rural vote may be compromised by alleged intimidation attributed to a group called FAZ, which is said to be a quasi-security intelligence organisation.

“The group was said to have been deployed to wards and around 36,000 villages. The allegations were that people were intimidated to vote in a particular manner and were warned that it would be easy to determine who voted against certain parties.

“The Mission noted that some aspects of the Harmonised Elections, fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).”

Delays in delivery of voting material and late night voting where in some cases voters had to use candlelight also added to a hugely chaotic day that exposed ZEC’s poor management despite promises by commission Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba that everything was good to go.

Confirmed reports indicate CCC and Zanu PF are currently in a tug-of-war over control of Parliament.

The Presidential vote is yet to be announced by ZEC.

Below are the main points raised by the organ,

1. Delimitation was a flawed and unconstitutionally executed process.

2. ZEC failed to release the Voters Roll on time for Candidates to Audit.

3. The fee charged for the Voters Roll was restrictive to candidates

4. CCC Rallies were disrupted by the Police thereby denying the Citizens their right to Freedom of Assembly.

5. The Patriotic Bill is unconstitutional as it attacks the Freedom of Speech.

6. Kasukuwere’s disqualification was unconstitutional but dismissed by the courts.

7. The Nomination fees was restrictive (from 1000Usd to 20 000USd).

8. Access to public media was restrictive to the opposition.