Zimbabwe’s recent general elections have drawn praise from regional bodies for their peaceful and transparent conduct. Observer missions from the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) released separate preliminary statements lauding the peaceful atmosphere that characterized both the lead-up to the elections and the voting day itself.
The voting, which took place on Wednesday, included the selection of a new president, members of parliament, and representatives of local governments. While certain logistical challenges led to extended voting in parts of the country, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo, the overall conduct of the election was highly regarded.
The head of the joint AU-COMESA election observation mission, Goodluck Jonathan, praised the resilience and commitment of the Zimbabwean people in expressing their will at the polls. He acknowledged that despite logistical hurdles, the 2023 harmonized elections were conducted up to the counting process in a generally peaceful and transparent manner. Jonathan highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic principles throughout the process until the final conclusion.
The SADC EOM, led by Nevers Mumba, also commended the Zimbabwean populace for maintaining a peaceful political environment during both the pre-election period and the voting day itself. The mission’s emphasis on the peaceful conduct of the elections echoed the sentiments expressed by the AU-COMESA EOM.
Mphasa Mokhochane, the head of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC), noted that despite challenges related to the delayed opening of polling stations, the polling process unfolded in a generally peaceful and secure environment. The ECF-SADC is an independent regional organization that consists of election management bodies from SADC member states.
The observer missions stressed the importance of respecting established legal procedures and processes in the event of any electoral disputes. All political parties and stakeholders were urged to allow the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to announce the final results in accordance with legal mandates.
As the country awaits the official results from the ZEC, the observer missions will continue their comprehensive observation of the tallying process. They have assured the public that final reports will be released following the validation and proclamation of results.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s recent general elections have not only provided an opportunity for citizens to express their democratic choices but have also showcased the nation’s commitment to a peaceful and transparent electoral process. The commendations from regional bodies like the AU, COMESA, and SADC stand as a testament to Zimbabwe’s progress in building a strong democratic foundation.
