Zimbabwe urged to repeal repressive laws, ensure free and fair elections

The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center, a non-profit organisation founded by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has urged the Zimbabwean government to review repressive laws and other measures that stifle the diverse voices of its people ahead of next week’s national elections.

Founded by the former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2018, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, also known as the EJS Center, is an organisation that encourages and develops women in leadership roles in Africa.

The EJS Centre said it was deeply concerned by the reports of political violence and other human rights violations taking place in Zimbabwe in the run up to the country’s general elections on August 23, 2023. 

“These violations are against the African Union (AU) and Zimbabwean normative frameworks for electoral integrity. We, therefore, join Zimbabweans and all Africans in demanding that electoral processes across our continent are peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and fair,” said the organisation in a statement.

The EJS Centre noted that the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) requires every African government to protect basic human rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

“To this end, we urge the government of Zimbabwe and all political leaders to uphold the sanctity of the African Union shared values, the 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution, and the electoral process. In this regard, the government should reconsider and review repressive laws and other measures that stifle the diverse voices of its people,” said the centre.

Fair electoral processes depend on citizens freely attending campaign gatherings and rallies without repercussions and fear for their well-being, the organisation added.

“Equally, an impartial electoral body is the backbone of fair elections, and concerns regarding the impartiality and independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) are deeply troubling and must be addressed. Due diligence, good governance, and transparency should be rigorously upheld, said EJS Center. 

The center said it was also worrying that Zimbabwe’s elections had few women running for office. 

“Women play an invaluable role in fostering peace and making sure fair democratic processes, but the upcoming elections also demonstrate a concerning lack of women’s representation on the ballot. We call on the government and all political leaders to make sure that women’s voices are heard during the electoral process,” said EJS Center.