The election was deemed “incongruous” by observers in Zimbabwe
International observers in Zimbabwe to monitor the presidential and legislative elections have questioned the electoral process.
No date has been announced yet, but the results must be released within five days of voting, so the weekend could be as soon as possible.
AFP
Zimbabwe’s presidential and legislative elections, which have suffered significant delays and disruptions, were deemed “non-compliant” with electoral law by international observers on Friday, just days before the results were announced.
The battle at the polls was mainly between Zanu-PF, which has been in power since independence in 1980, and the first opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by lawyer and preacher Nelson Chamisa for 45 years.
“Scams” and “Barriers”
According to the first count broadcast by state broadcaster ZBC in the evening, Zanu-PF was leading the parliamentary race, filling 125 of the 210 seats under the first-past-the-post system, compared to 59 for the CCC. . The other sixty seats will be allocated on a proportional basis.
The polling, which was supposed to end on Wednesday evening, was extended till the next day. Chaos in the capital Harare, the stronghold of the opposition parties, has multiplied, especially in the absence of ballot papers in offices. He denounced “fraud” and “blocking” voters. The Electoral Commission admitted that less than a quarter of polling stations in Harare opened on time on Wednesday.
Observers from the European Union (EU), South Africa (SADC) and the Commonwealth of Nations unanimously questioned the smooth conduct of the electoral process. “Some aspects of the referendum did not comply with the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act governing democratic elections (…)”, the head of the SADC Mission, Nevers Mumba, told the press.
“Climate of Fear”
“The elections did not meet many international standards,” EU mission chief Fabio Massimo Castaldo told a separate press conference, referring to a “climate of fear”. “Serious problems” undermined the “credibility” and “transparency” of the ballot, said Amina Mohamed of the Commonwealth Monitoring Mission.
Voters were not found on the list and others were intimidated at polling stations, observers said. They also noted authorities’ refusal to accredit some foreign media and questioned the bias of local public media.
Nevertheless, they noted that the poll took place in a “calm and peaceful” environment. However, the long wait due to logistical problems discouraged many voters, who postponed their hope for “change” until next time. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared “certain victory” and the opposition is “leading in the presidential election”.
oppression
No date has been announced yet, but the results must be released within five days of voting, so the weekend could be as soon as possible. Before the election, Human Rights Watch had already pointed to a “severely flawed electoral process” that was incompatible with a free or fair vote.
The campaign has been characterized by a ruthless crackdown on the opposition, banning dozens of rallies, arresting opponents and remaining invisible in the state, where freedom fighter Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in a 2017 coup, has ruled with an iron fist. Media, CCC pointed out.
In 2018, Robert Mugabe’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was narrowly elected (50.8%). Two days after the election, the army opened fire on demonstrators, killing 6 people. Already his rival, Samisa, challenged the decision in court before it was dismissed.
AFP
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