EU Election Observer Mission calls for electoral r...

EU Election Observer Mission calls for electoral reforms

Audrey Galawu

The European Union Election Observation Mission to Zimbabwe Chief Observer, Fabio Massimo Castaldo has described the 23 August 2023 harmonised elections as disorderly despite being calm.

In its final election observer mission report released yesterday, Castaldo said the process curtailed fundamental rights, overall, and lacked a level playing field, which was compounded by intimidation.

“During the post-electoral period, the EU EOM observed a climate of retribution. I would like to emphasise that the EU EOM came to Zimbabwe as a partner and in the spirit of achieving common goals to further advance democratic processes.

“It is important to also view the EU EOM’s recommendations in this context. It is up to Zimbabweans to take ownership of their implementation. The European Union remains ready to assist such efforts,” Castaldo said.

The EU EOM considers that a comprehensive and meaningful electoral reform is needed to bring legislation in line with regional and international standards adopted by Zimbabwe.

The EU EOM also recommends that measures are taken to ensure that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and its staff are able to operate without political influence at all levels, including in their appointment mechanisms and by removing governmental approval of its regulations.

Further, the EU EOM recommends that ZEC provides timely and comprehensive information on all aspects of electoral preparations to the public, including its decisions and regulations and that ZEC publishes timely electoral results, disaggregated by polling station.

“To safeguard the right of assembly, it is recommended to amend the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, to limit discretionary application and ensure that its implementation never unduly limits the right to assemble.

“To safeguard the independence of the judiciary, the EU EOM recommends reviewing the appointment procedures of judges to guarantee the separation of powers.

“Further, the EU EOM recommends establishing and implementing effective mechanisms to prevent undue restrictions on observation activities, and to prevent pressure and intimidation of both citizens and international observers.

“The recommendations are the quintessence of the work of the EU EOM, which comprised some 150 observers from all 27 EU member states and its partner countries Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

“The EU EOM did not interfere in the elections at any time and has no interest in the results.”, Castaldo added.

He also underlined that the government and the European Union conducted an independent and impartial long-term assessment of all aspects of the entire electoral process in accordance with an Administrative Arrangement.