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The Southern Africa Development Community — Election Support Network (SADC-ESN) made up of members from all Sadc members has commended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for holding successful harmonised elections on Wednesday.Sadc-ESN observer mission team leader Mr Steve Duwa appealed to Zimbabweans in a statement to remain and maintain peace as they await the final results. “Sadc-ESN would particularly like to commend Zec for doing their best under the circumstances to deliver this election,” he said.
“Their proactive role in keeping stakeholders regularly informed helped to reduce anxiety among stakeholders.
“In view of the foregoing, Sadc-ESN would like to acknowledge the peaceful and orderly manner in which the voting process proceeded. It is our considered view that the environment preceeding the election day was relatively conducive to allow for free participation of the electorate.”
Mr Duwa said the election progressed well from opening of the polling stations until their closure.
“Our observers on the ground were satisfied with conduct of the larger parts of the election day proceedings, noting that people were able to exercise their right to vote,” he said.
“The relevant materials for use during voting were available in the polling stations and the polls commenced generally on time, with just a few that opened some minutes after the prescribed time.
“Priority voting was given to pregnant women and disabled people in the polling stations observed.”
Mr Duwa said they noted some areas that needed improvement, including that the Registrar of Voters’ Office should take a proactive approach in meeting the information needs of stakeholders, especially voter’s register. He said they would continue to observe the remaining processes before issuing a final statement.
“The counting and announcement of the results is a critical process that we will continue to observe and we will be issuing a final election statement when the entire process has been concluded,” he said.
The is a network of civic organisations which actively participate in electoral processes within the Sadc region. The network has a membership of 15 organisations drawn from Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter