As Zimbabwe prepares for its upcoming 2023 harmonised elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has held an observers briefing to address concerns regarding its independence. The Chairperson of ZEC, Priscilla Chigumba, emphasized that the commission is not influenced by the government, individuals, or any other organizations, as is sometimes alleged.
Chigumba reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting fair and transparent elections, stating, “In its operations, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is not influenced by government, individuals, or any other organizations, as sometimes alleged. Section 235 of the constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees the commission’s independence.” This declaration aimed to dispel any doubts about the commission’s impartiality in the lead-up to the vote.
However, the run-up to the elections has been marred by a crackdown on dissent and suspicions of possible irregularities. Last week, during a pre-election debate in Johannesburg, representatives of four opposition parties accused the ruling party, ZANU-PF, of inciting violence and instilling fear among the opposition.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) reported a deeply concerning incident, alleging that one of its members was stoned to death by ZANU-PF supporters in an ambush while en route to a rally in Harare. Such acts of violence raise concerns about the safety and fairness of the electoral process.
Mthulisi Hanana, Secretary-General of the ZAPU party, described Zimbabwean elections as “an extreme sport,” highlighting the volatile nature of the political landscape. Hanana claimed that ZANU-PF officials employ a strategy of preaching peace during the day while unleashing violence during the night. He further noted that violence often becomes ZANU-PF’s default option when they run out of ideas.
The upcoming elections will feature a rematch between President Emmerson Mnangagwa of ZANU-PF and Nelson Chamisa, a 45-year-old lawyer who leads the country’s largest opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). This presidential race is expected to be highly competitive, with both candidates aiming to secure victory.
If no outright winner emerges in the presidential contest, a runoff election is scheduled to take place six weeks later on October 2nd. This runoff option ensures that the democratic process continues, even if the first round does not produce a decisive outcome.
Despite the prevailing concerns, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has expressed confidence in its preparedness for the upcoming elections. Chigumba stressed that the commission has successfully completed voter registration initiatives and is fully ready to conduct the 2023 harmonized elections.
The international community will be closely monitoring the electoral process in Zimbabwe, with particular attention given to the commission’s ability to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Observers from various organizations, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, will be present to monitor the proceedings and scrutinize the electoral process.
As Zimbabwe approaches its 2023 elections, the focus remains on establishing a fair and transparent electoral process. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s assurance of its independence and readiness to conduct the elections mark important steps towards instilling confidence in the electoral process. However, it is crucial to address the concerns surrounding violence and irregularities to ensure a truly democratic outcome for the country.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/Associated Press
