Zimbabwe (Commonwealth Union)_ The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group has issued a call to all Zimbabwean political factions and their adherents, urging them to uphold the criteria for credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. The Group, comprising 14 members, has been meticulously selected from various Commonwealth nations, responding to an invitation from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to observe the Harmonized Elections. These observers, deployed nationwide, will monitor the complete electoral journey in Zimbabwe at the behest of Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, Kenya’s former Cabinet Secretary for Education and Foreign Affairs, emphasized her presence as an African compatriot and a friend to Zimbabwe as the nation endeavors to fortify its democratic principles, which are also cherished by the Commonwealth: peace, democracy, the rule of law, and good governance. She expressed hope that the Group’s presence would reaffirm the Commonwealth’s steadfast backing for Zimbabwe’s democratic processes.
During the forthcoming days, the Group will engage with political parties, media entities, and civil society organizations through briefings, thereby cultivating a more profound comprehension of the prevailing circumstances within the nation in the lead-up to the elections. Scheduled for August 23, these elections will empower around 6.6 million registered voters to cast their ballots for councilors, parliamentary representatives, and a president. Since August 21, observers have been stationed across diverse regions of Zimbabwe, overseeing pre-election preparations, the voting process, ballot counting, and the tabulation of results at polling stations.
An initial statement presenting the group’s preliminary assessment of the electoral journey will be presented by the Chairperson at a press conference on August 25 in Harare. After the electoral proceedings, the Group will compile its recommendations into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. This report will subsequently be conveyed to the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the leadership of participating political parties, and all Commonwealth governments. Upon its release, the report will be made accessible to the public, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral assessment process.
