The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has released its final report on Zimbabwe’s August harmonised elections, and it maintains that the polls fell short of accepted regional and international standards.
The report highlighted issues to do with Zimbabwe’s legal framework, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) independence, postal voting by state security agencies, the media, and the diaspora vote.
It also raised concerns about the involvement of the shadowy organisation Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), the judiciary, and the police’s inconsistent application of laws.
“The SEOM noted that … some aspects of the Harmonised Elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021),” reads the report.
The report was signed by SADC Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
SADC’s position, however, does not mean Zimbabwe will head for fresh elections, as reports are mainly for recommendation purposes.
The report noted that the delimitation exercise that was conducted in 2022 by ZEC was marred with controversy. It also found that the average number of voters per constituency is inconsistent with the provision of section 161(6) of the new Constitution adopted in 2013.
The report also noted that in June, the government, through Statutory Instrument 144 of 2022, increased the presidential nomination fee from US$1,000 to US$20,000. Nomination fees for a constituency election increased from US$50 to US$1,000. The report said these amounts were unduly restrictive to less well-off community members, such as women who lack the means.
The report also noted that at least two female candidates contesting for the presidency encountered difficulties when they attempted to pay their nomination fees when the Nomination Court sat in July 2023.
The initial report read by SADC’s Election Observer Mission (EOM) head Nevers Mumba had triggered Zanu PF into attack mode, with party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa raging at the Zambian national and accusing him of having been bought by the “West.”
In its recommendations, the SADC mission urged ZEC to avail the voters roll to stakeholders to allow enough time for inspection and verification in line with the Electoral Act.
The mission also urged the government to consider engaging other stakeholders in the design of ballot papers for transparency, and to have a clear timeline for the provision of the voters roll and information of ballots.
