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Wallace Ruzvidzo Herald Reporter
Progressive and Patriotic Citizens of Zimbabwe (PAPCOZ), a convergence of Zimbabwean citizens, has noted the peaceful environment currently prevailing in the country ahead of the harmonised elections slated for August 23.
The ensuing peace has been spearheaded by President Mnangagwa who continues to reiterate the need for peace before, during and after the polls.
PAPCOZ said after carrying out a nationwide monitoring exercise ahead of the elections, they concluded that Government had put in place measures to ensure peace prevails across the country.
The Second Republic has taken a deliberate stance against all forms of violence heading towards election day.
“Elections are a fundamental tenet of democracy and good governance. The holding of elections in accordance and adherence to international best practices is critical because elections fulfil the requirements of the social contract between the governed and the governors.
“As part of its comprehensive effort to observe the 2023 harmonised elections, PAPCOZ through its structures across the country has been carrying out an independent and people centred monitoring of the political environment ahead of the 23 August harmonised election.
“It is in this regard that we present to both the people of Zimbabwe, ZEC, Government and other stakeholders a summary of our findings to date: Generally, the environment is relatively calm and peaceful,” said PAPCOZ.
PAPCOZ commended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for demonstrating its preparedness to conduct the polls in a transparent and credible manner.
In that same breath, PAPCOZ also applauded the police force for instituting measures that would ensure peace and tranquillity.
“Based on empirical reports from our observers, PAPCOZ would like to commend the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for a job well done thus far in terms of the commission’s preparedness ahead of 2023 harmonized elections, and effective and efficient election management through an established election roadmap.
“Since the last election in 2018, ZEC continued to encourage citizens to register to vote and in the same ambit were able to register new voters as evidenced by an increase in the number of registered voters. The commission further carried out a laudable Delimitation exercise and opened the voters roll to the public for inspection.
“PAPCOZ, also commends the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for maintaining peace, law and order in the run up to 2023 harmonized elections. Different political parties were cleared to hold their campaign rallies in different parts of the country. No cases of political involvement by our police were recorded,” said PAPCOZ.
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