What observer missions said

Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter

VARIOUS observer missions have been in Zimbabwe to assess the country’s full election cycle after voting on August 23 and 24.

Below is what some observers noted:

Ambassador Amina Mohammed, who is leading the Commonwealth’s Observer Mission said:

“As I stated at our Arrival Press Conference, we are here as friends of Zimbabwe, and it is my hope that our presence affirms the unwavering support of the Commonwealth family to this country as it seeks to consolidate its democratic values. On the electoral process, from our own observations, there was a peaceful pre-election atmosphere. Throughout the voting process, we met professional, diligent and friendly election officials and security officers. We observed that voters lists were visible, well placed, of high quality, arranged in alphabetical order, and accessible at polling stations, all of which made identification of voters easier. We sensed a strong feeling of excitement among all the people we interacted with. Election Day proceeded in an atmosphere of relative peace and calm, and we observed that the turnout of many voters, especially women and youth, is testimony to the desire of all Zimbabweans to make their voices heard and contribute to the country’s ongoing democratic consolidation.”

Dr Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, who is heading the AU-COMESA observer mission said: “The AU-COMESA EOM observed that the 2023 Harmonised Elections were conducted, up to the counting process, in a generally peaceful and transparent manner despite logistical challenges with the availability and distribution of local authority ballot papers in some areas. The Mission continues to observe the tallying process and will issue a comprehensive report within two months. The AU-COMESA EOM commends the people of Zimbabwe for their patience, resilience, and commitment to express their will at the polls.”

SADC’s observer mission led by former Zambian Vice President, Dr Nevers Mumba, said: “In conclusion, the Mission observed that the pre-election and voting phases, on 23-24 August 2023 Harmonised Elections were peaceful, and calm. The Mission commends the people of Zimbabwe for maintaining a peaceful political environment during the pre-election period, and on voting day. In the event of any electoral disputes, the Mission appeals to all contestants to channel their concerns through established legal procedures and processes. The Mission urges all political parties and the people of Zimbabwe, and all other stakeholders to allow the ZEC to announce the final results as legally mandated.”

Mr Fabio Massimo Castaldo, who is leading the EU’s observer mission, said: “The EU EOM observed voting at 488 PS. In most observations during the regular operating hours, the voting process was assessed positively. Polling station staff largely demonstrated a good understanding of the voting process.”

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), secretary general Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti.

“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.

“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”.

Mr Hisham Kuhail, the chief electoral officer of the Central Elections Commission of Palestine (CEC).

“It is worth mentioning here the gender mix of local observers and parties’ agents. In all centres visited, long queues, peaceful environment, order and presence of local observers were evident.

“Voting process followed international standards. Voters were checked against the voters’ list and then given three ballot papers (Presidential, National Assembly, and Local Authority). The voter’s finger is then marked by indelible ink and cast his/her vote in a secure voting screen, and finally cast the votes in their designated ballot boxes.”

In a statement, the Indian election observer mission commended the country for successfully conducting the harmonised elections.

“It was observed that the campaign was peaceful to a large extent, barring a few incidents as reported in the media. There was a significant and visible presence of election awareness material at various locations. The team also had the opportunity to witness campaigns firsthand.

“The team interacted with polling personnel at one of the remotest polling stations in the town of Hwange, one day prior to the election day to see the preparedness of the polling party and observed that they were well aware of the procedure, rules and regulations pertaining to elections. A unique feature that was noticed was clearly labelled jackets donned by all the polling personnel for easy identification.”