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Harare Bureau
The European Union (EU) has deployed a 44-member Election Observation Mission (EOM) after Zimbabwe invited the bloc to observe the July 30 harmonised elections for the first time in 16 years.
Vice-president of the EU Commission, Ms Federica Mogherini — who is also the bloc’s high representative for foreign affairs and security — has since appointed Mr Elmar Brok, a member of the EU Parliament, as chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission.
The EOM’s core team, which is made up of ten analysts, arrived in Harare on June 6 and will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process. It will also prepare a comprehensive final report.
The core team was joined by 44 long-term observers on June 20, who will now be deployed across the country. A further 44 short-term observers will be deployed a few days prior to election day.
In addition, a delegation of the European Parliament and diplomats from EU member states accredited to Zimbabwe will also reinforce the deployed teams on election day. In a statement yesterday, Ms Mogherini said she was confident the mission “will make an important contribution to this electoral process”.
“These elections will be key for the future of Zimbabwe. The future President, Parliament and Local Government councils will have the responsibility of steering the transition process in the country. Zimbabweans can count on the strong support of the European Union and of the international community. Its stability and economic growth are key for the entire region and for the European Union as well. I am confident that the mission under the leadership of Chief Observer Elmar Brok will make an important contribution to this electoral process,” said Ms Mogherini.
In the same statement, Mr Brok noted that the July 30 elections, which will be held under a new electoral framework, represent an important step in the country’s political transition.
“I feel honoured to lead the first EU Election Observation Mission to Zimbabwe in 16 years. These elections, to be held under a new electoral framework, represent an important step in the country’s political transition. The 2018 elections are an opportunity to strengthen Zimbabwe’s democracy and it is important they are peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible.
The EU EOM is here to observe in an impartial and professional manner and I am confident that this mission can make an important contribution to enhancing further the quality of the electoral process,” he said.
derick.khumalo