On Friday, foreign election observers conveyed their assessment that Zimbabwe’s recent presidential and legislative elections did not meet the benchmarks set by regional and global norms. This evaluation raises uncertainties about the credibility of the tense electoral process.
Zimbabweans participated in the polling on both Wednesday and Thursday, yet the proceedings were marked by delays. These elections unfolded amid a backdrop of widespread discontent over the country’s economic challenges.
Both regional and international observers highlighted various concerns, including the disruption of opposition rallies, the refusal to accredit certain foreign media entities, the absence of voter names from the registration list at polling stations, the biased representation in state media, and instances of voter intimidation. These factors collectively cast a shadow over the electoral process.
Fabio Massimo Castaldo, the leader of the European Union observer mission, commented that the election “did not meet many regional and international standards,” emphasizing its shortfall.
“Violence and intimidation resulted ultimately in a climate of fear,” he said.
Commonwealth observer mission chair Amina Mohamed, of Kenya, said overall the voting process was “well conducted and peaceful” but a ” number of significant issues” impacted on the election’s “credibility” and “transparency”.
“Some aspects of the … election fell short of the requirements of the constitution of Zimbabwe, the electoral act and the SADC principals and guidelines governing democratic elections,” said head of the regional bloc’s delegation Nevers Mumba, a former Zambian vice president.
It marked an unusual criticism from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which typically endorses polls within its member states.
The ongoing election has garnered attention throughout southern Africa, serving as a litmus test for the popularity of 80-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF party. The party’s 43-year rule has faced challenges due to a sluggish economy and accusations of authoritarianism.
Unforeseen delays in printing ballot papers, especially in opposition stronghold Harare, led to an unprecedented extension of voting into a second day.
The leading opposition group, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which presents the primary challenge to Mnangagwa, had over 100 campaign meetings banned. It criticized the electoral process as “fundamentally flawed.”
On the first day of voting, fewer than 25 percent of polling stations in Harare, known for its opposition support, opened on time. These issues prompted Mnangagwa, vying for a second term, to extend voting by an additional day.
Despite these hurdles, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deputy chairman Rodney Kiwa expressed confidence in announcing results prior to the Tuesday deadline.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa condemned the delays as a form of “voter suppression” and “rigging.” At 45 years old, Chamisa stands as the primary contender against Mnangagwa, 80, who assumed power after a 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe.
Late on election day, 41 local monitors were apprehended and had their electronic devices confiscated by police, alleging the “unlawful tabulation” of polling station results. This event was labeled “subversive and criminal.” The arrested monitors, predominantly young women and men affiliated with local pro-democracy NGOs, appeared in court on Friday.
As they awaited proceedings, some greeted well-wishers with waves and held back emotions. Many wore “election observer” caps and shirts.
The arrest of these 41 observers adds “to our grave concerns,” noted the EU chief observer for the elections.
In an online discussion held on Friday by the Southern African Liaison Office, which is based in South Africa, African studies professor Kealeboga Maphunye of the University of South Africa stated, “At this stage it’s all pointing towards a disputed election.”