Observers laud Zim polls

Blessings Chidakwa

Zimpapers Elections Desk

THE Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has commended Zimbabwe for holding a free, credible and fair election in line with democratic practices worldwide.

Briefing journalists in Harare last night, OACPS secretary general Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, hailed Zimbabwean authorities for allowing observers to witness the voting process.

Mr Chikoti said the organisation, to which Zimbabwe is a member State, values adherence to democratic processes as that is essential for the achievement of sustainable and inclusive development.

“The OACPS congratulates all concerned for the transparent, peaceful and orderly conduct at the polling stations visited. Therefore, the OACPS supports the electoral processes that are taking place in Zimbabwe.

“The OACPS notes with satisfaction that the high number of women participating as polling officials, agents and in the electorate is a most welcome development,” he said.

Mr Chikoti added that in its engagement with the leadership of Zimbabwe, OACPS was encouraged by the Government’s commitment to conduct elections that would be judged to be free, fair and transparent, reflecting the will of the people.

“The OACPS further calls on all political parties and their supporters to respect the final outcome.

“The integrity and access of the electoral process will be of great pride and benefit to the Zimbabweans and people of Africa,” he said.

“The OACPS calls on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to continue to be diligent in its functions including the counting, tallying of the ballots and the announcement of the results.”

Mr Chikoti also said the organisation noted with satisfaction that local and foreign observers were given full access to the polling stations in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

He said despite delays in voting in some few areas, the voting process was done in a remarkable manner.

“It is generally normal that when there is an electoral process like this one there are mistakes and all the mistakes have been discussed,” he said.

Comprising 79 member States from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) seeks to achieve the sustainable development of its members and their progressive integration into the world economy.