2023 Harmonised Election: Watchdog Warns Of Another Disputed Election

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has said violence and intimidation which were recorded prior to 22 October 2022 by-elections in some parts of Zimbabwe is a shadow of what’s coming in 2023. In a statement sent to Pindula News, ERC said urged relevant authorities to implement requisite electoral reforms warning that the 2023 Harmonised elections will result in yet another disputed election, marred with violence, if the reforms are not implemented in toto. Read the statement: 

VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION: FATE FOR ZIMBABWEANS AHEAD OF THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS

On 22 October 2022, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) deployed observers in three (3) out of six (6) by-election sites, namely Guruve RDC Ward 4, Mutare Municipality Ward 4 and Insiza RDC Ward 4 to observe by-elections.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) had scheduled by-elections for 22 October 2022 to fill vacancies arising in Buhera RDC Ward 24; Guruve RDC Ward 4; Insiza RDC Ward 4; Matobo RDC Ward 2; Takawira (RDC) Ward 6 and Mutare Municipality Ward 18, following the death of incumbent councillors in those respective areas.

The ERC notes that the by-election sites were marred with pre-election violence and intimidation which extended to the election day. Cases of violence were noted in Insiza and Matobo. Highlighting the violence was the attack on Member of Parliament Jasmine Toffa (CCC) and campaign team by alleged ZANU PF activists on 17 October 2022 in the Insiza RDC ahead of the by-election. The ERC also received a report of an attack by suspected ZANU PF youths on Mutare Municipality Ward 18 candidate Nyasha Machekeche (NCA) on 21 October 2022 ahead of the Mutare Ward 18 by-election.

The ERC noted that the sites of the by-elections were also plagued by potential corruption, especially from the ruling party because they were handing out fertiliser in Guruve RDC days before the by-election. ERC also observed that on election day, ZANU PF set up “information desks” outside polling stations in Guruve and Insiza collecting information from prospective voters , potentially intimidating and unduly influencing the electorate.

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While polling was largely peaceful, the ERC continues to be concerned that the political environment is not conducive for a free and fair election in 2023. Therefore, the ERC emphasizes the need for the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to take tangible steps in holding perpetrators to account.

The ERC notes that unless electoral reforms are implemented, the 2023 Harmonised elections will result in yet another disputed election, marred with violence. The ERC also highlights the piecemeal principles that the Cabinet approved, although they fall short of the required level of reforms for a free, fair, and credible election.

Less than a year before the 2023 elections, the ERC recommends the following:

To the Government of Zimbabwe:

– Ensure that government inputs are not used politically as campaigning tools during elections. – Government must take tangible action against the manifestation of violence and intimidation in the pre-election, election and post-election period.

To Parliament of Zimbabwe:

– Wide consultation of election stakeholders on reforms and the immediate implementation before the 2023 Harmonised elections.

To the citizens of Zimbabwe:

– To practise political and electoral tolerance.

To the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission:

– To receive and consider complaints from the public and to take such action in regard to the complaints.

To the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission:

– To fully investigate the violence targeting Honourable Jasmine Toffa ahead of the 22 October

– Engage key players in elections including political party leaders, candidates, traditional leaders and the ZRP in order to facilitate peaceful elections in Zimbabwe.

To political parties:

– To practise political and electoral tolerance and refrain from violence.

Pindula News