Tanyaradzwa Rusike
THE Pan-African Foundation for Socio-Politico Convention Network Trust has lauded Zimbabwe for holding the August 23-24 harmonised elections in accordance with the laws of the country.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Pan-African Foundation for Socio-Politico Convention Network Trust director Mr Wenseslaus Mangadza said the elections upheld constitutional requirements.
“The 2023 harmonised elections were held in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13 and electoral regulations.
“In accordance with Section 158, subsection 1a of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, general elections should take place not more than 30 days before the expiry of the five-year period specified in Section 143 of the Constitution.
“The Pan-African electoral observer mission notes that the 2023 harmonised elections were held in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Mangadza said, although there were delays on voting day in some areas, the elections were conducted in a peaceful manner.
“On the election days, we covered all the 10 provinces on 23 and 24 August. Some of our observations include the delays in the starting time of voting, which was experienced in most parts of the country which were due to late delivery of voting materials,” he said.
“We were satisfied that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) acknowledged its anomaly and extended the voting time to ensure that the 12-hour voting time was achieved at all affected polling stations. The environment and mood on election days was generally peaceful and orderly.”
He added that the Judiciary remained independent before and after the elections.
“The Pan-African election observer mission acknowledges the separation of powers doctrine in place in Zimbabwe and is of the view that the Judiciary remains independent.
“The legal challenges brought before the courts involving the 12 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members of the National Assembly candidates in Bulawayo, who had allegedly filed their nomination papers out of time, had their nominations reinstated.
“The Saviour Kasukuwere case was also dealt with in accordance with the law without undue influence of his past political stature and history. We are of the view that conclusion of these cases points to an efficient and impartial Judiciary,” said Mr Mangadza.
Mr Mangadza said all the political parties were given fair opportunities to hold their campaigns. “The political parties were given space to campaign. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) received notifications from political parties to hold political gatherings. However, it was noted that some applications to hold gatherings by CCC, ZANU PF and other political parties may have not been approved due to logistical and operational challenges on ZRP but not designed to prejudice any political party,” he said.