We will not accept FAKE results.

The best court to announce an electoral WINNER is the PEOPLE’s court, that is the highest court in an election and we are going to win in that court.-CCC

ZIMBABWE has expressed willingness to join the BRICS after its expansion programme which has seen the block admitting six new members.

The economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has managed to provide an alternative economic order away from the status quo which has been skewed to benefit the West.

Many countries, including Zimbabwe, which is under illegal economic sanctions from the United States and its Western allies are backing the rise of an alternative order in the form of BRICS.

In his presentation at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, President Emerson Mnangagwa, who was represented by Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, called for unity in fighting imperialistic countries.

“This summit comes at a time when some countries from the Global North are politicising and weaponising the global economy at the detriment of small and developing nations. The world is under pressure from multiple complex and interconnected crises in which the strong take advantage of the most vulnerable among the community of nations.

“To us, BRICS is a family and we hope that with the joining of more developing countries, BRICS will represent the Global South with a louder voice on the world stage.

Developing countries should stand together and refuse to be intimidated by imperialist behavior. We should stand together and refuse to be intimidated by imperialist behavior. We should reject zero-sum games, and power politics and unite towards the main goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.

Like many other leaders who were in attendance, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would be happy to be considered for full BRICS membership in the future.

He also added, “Zimbabwe, like many other countries in Africa, is committed to pursuing a path to sustained economic growth and transformation through continental integration.

We are pleased to be working with the BRICS partners to successfully implement our market integration objectives. African countries and BRICS nations share similar views and interests in improving and reforming the current international order and global governance system. The world needs a just global order that provides the future we want, which leaves no one and no place behind.”

“Let me take this opportunity to express the strong and unwavering intent of Zimbabwe to join the BRICS alliance.

Zimbabwe as a nation recognises the immense value and potential that BRICS holds for the economic and political development of our country and the African continent as a whole.

“Joining this alliance would provide Zimbabwe with a unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded nations and harness the benefits of collective strength.”

The BRICS expansion programme which saw Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates being added to the bloc, has left the door open to future enlargement as more countries voiced interest in joining a grouping they hope can level the global playing field.

ZIMBABWE has expressed willingness to join the BRICS after its expansion programme which has seen the block admitting six new members.

The economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has managed to provide an alternative economic order away from the status quo which has been skewed to benefit the West.

Many countries, including Zimbabwe, which is under illegal economic sanctions from the United States and its Western allies are backing the rise of an alternative order in the form of BRICS.

In his presentation at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, President Emerson Mnangagwa, who was represented by Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, called for unity in fighting imperialistic countries.

“This summit comes at a time when some countries from the Global North are politicising and weaponising the global economy at the detriment of small and developing nations. The world is under pressure from multiple complex and interconnected crises in which the strong take advantage of the most vulnerable among the community of nations.

“To us, BRICS is a family and we hope that with the joining of more developing countries, BRICS will represent the Global South with a louder voice on the world stage.

Developing countries should stand together and refuse to be intimidated by imperialist behavior. We should stand together and refuse to be intimidated by imperialist behavior. We should reject zero-sum games, and power politics and unite towards the main goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.

Like many other leaders who were in attendance, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would be happy to be considered for full BRICS membership in the future.

He also added, “Zimbabwe, like many other countries in Africa, is committed to pursuing a path to sustained economic growth and transformation through continental integration.

We are pleased to be working with the BRICS partners to successfully implement our market integration objectives. African countries and BRICS nations share similar views and interests in improving and reforming the current international order and global governance system. The world needs a just global order that provides the future we want, which leaves no one and no place behind.”

“Let me take this opportunity to express the strong and unwavering intent of Zimbabwe to join the BRICS alliance.

Zimbabwe as a nation recognises the immense value and potential that BRICS holds for the economic and political development of our country and the African continent as a whole.

“Joining this alliance would provide Zimbabwe with a unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded nations and harness the benefits of collective strength.”

The BRICS expansion programme which saw Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates being added to the bloc, has left the door open to future enlargement as more countries voiced interest in joining a grouping they hope can level the global playing field.

Jenni Hermoso has broken her silence, urging action against Spain football federation president Luis Rubiales following his unsolicited kiss after the World Cup final

In a joint statement with FUTPRO, Hermoso said:

“My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter.

“From FUTPRO we express our firm and resounding condemnation of conduct that violates the dignity of women”.

“From our association, we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures.

“It is essential that our national team, current world champion, is always represented by figures that project values of equality and respect in all areas.

“It is necessary to continue to advance in the fight for equality, a fight that our female players have led with determination, bringing us to the position we are in today.”

FIFAWWC #DubAtTheCup

Tinashe Sambiri

Suspected government agents disrupted the Citizens Coalition for Change media briefing in Harare on Saturday morning.

The government agents violently seized papers from CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi.

In a statement CCC denounced Zanu PF barbarism.

BREAKING: Our press conference has been violently disrupted by suspected ZANU PF thugs and individuals identified as members of law enforcement.

The disruptive team arrived in three vehicles: a Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, and Toyota Hilux. Their purpose was to disrupt our peaceful press conference.

We strongly condemn this unacceptable violent behavior by ZANU PF thugs. It is disheartening to note that while they held their own press conferences without disturbance, our event was targeted.

Furthermore, the involvement of law enforcement in leading this group is both sad and regrettable.

Mr Stephen Njini, Mkoba North Constituency Elections Officer has declared CCC candidate Chibaya Amos as the duly elected National Assembly member for Mkoba North Constituency.-ZBC News

Tinashe Sambiri

Suspected government agents disrupted the Citizens Coalition for Change media briefing in Harare on Saturday morning.

The government agents violently seized papers from CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi.

In a statement CCC denounced Zanu PF barbarism.

BREAKING: Our press conference has been violently disrupted by suspected ZANU PF thugs and individuals identified as members of law enforcement.

The disruptive team arrived in three vehicles: a Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, and Toyota Hilux. Their purpose was to disrupt our peaceful press conference.

We strongly condemn this unacceptable violent behavior by ZANU PF thugs. It is disheartening to note that while they held their own press conferences without disturbance, our event was targeted.

Furthermore, the involvement of law enforcement in leading this group is both sad and regrettable.

Tinashe Sambiri

The Citizens Coalition for Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has assured the nation that victory is certain despite attempts by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to rig the August 23 polls.

In a brief statement on Friday, President Chamisa exhorted the nation to remain calm and composed.

See brief statement below :

Thank you Zimbabwe… On the Presidential you the citizens are scoring big in;
Bulawayo
Harare
Matebeleland south
Matebeleland north
Manicaland
Mashonaland west
Also doing well in Masvingo, Midlands, Mash East and Central! #ThisTime

Tinashe Sambiri

Suspected government agents disrupted the Citizens Coalition for Change media briefing in Harare on Saturday morning.

The government agents violently seized papers from CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi.

In a statement CCC denounced Zanu PF barbarism.

BREAKING: Our press conference has been violently disrupted by suspected ZANU PF thugs and individuals identified as members of law enforcement.

The disruptive team arrived in three vehicles: a Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, and Toyota Hilux. Their purpose was to disrupt our peaceful press conference.

We strongly condemn this unacceptable violent behavior by ZANU PF thugs. It is disheartening to note that while they held their own press conferences without disturbance, our event was targeted.

Furthermore, the involvement of law enforcement in leading this group is both sad and regrettable.

By MISA Zimbabwe| In a preliminary statement released in Harare on 25 August 2023, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) noted that some aspects of Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

SEOM noted that the country was generally calm and peaceful during the pre-election and voting period.

It, however, said there were areas that needed to be improved pertaining to, among others, access to the voters’ roll, nomination fees and state-owned media coverage.

The Mission, among others, highlighted the following areas that can be improved:

Access to the voters’ roll: In order to improve perceptions amongst the public, political parties and candidates, ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) is advised to strictly follow the provisions of the Constitution on transparency, access to information, and timeously avail the voters roll in accordance with the stipulations under the Electoral Act.
State-owned media coverage: The relevant media regulatory authorities are urged to ensure the implementation of measures that require impartiality in the coverage of political events by State-owned media.
While there had been some improvement compared to the 2018 elections, SEOM said the content of the public broadcaster (ZBC) and state-owned newspapers was in favour of one political party.

This was contrary to the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which requires State-owned media to be impartial.

It further noted that the Patriotic Act is “incompatible” with Section 61 of the Constitution and the SADC Principle and Guidelines, which requires member states to uphold, among others, freedom of expression.

This was also echoed by the African Union (AU) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Election Observation Mission. The Mission said it had noted the concerns expressed by civil society organisations on the “far reaching implications” of the Patriotic Act in reducing the democratic space so far gained.

The AU and COMESA observer mission said the elections came at a time of “renewed interest” on Zimbabwe with a number of foreign organisations and countries making efforts to re-engage the country, and further noted that:

“The context is also characterised by socio-political tensions around the enactment of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (Patriotic Act) and the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, which is awaiting presidential assent.”

All the Observation Missions to the 2023 harmonised elections noted that the “patriotic provisions” as per the amendments of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reforms) Act impact freedom of expression negatively.

The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF) and the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) highlighted the issue of dual accreditation of the media, which impedes the media’s capacity to cover the election. This hinders the citizen’s capacity to make informed choices.

The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) said while most of the media legal framework is in line with the Constitution, media analysis showed that ZBC devoted over two-thirds of news and current affairs coverage to Zanu PF, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the government.

The Mission, however, said Zimpapers provided more diverse coverage on their TV and radio channels but that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was given “notably less print space” in its newspapers, of which more than half of the articles were negative.

“Zimpapers radios had more praise for the ruling party and president but remained largely neutral on Mr (Nelson) Chamisa and the CCC.”

Private media groups Alpha Media Holdings and Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe provided a more “egalitarian” spread of coverage between the main contestants in their print publications.

“ANZ publications provided more praise than criticism to most contestants in the elections. 3KTV coverage of the president and Zanu PF was overwhelmingly positive, while the CCC was covered in a largely neutral manner,” reads the EU EOM preliminary statement.

On digital communication and social media, the Mission said while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and access to information and privacy, laws targeting free speech instilled fear and resulted in self-censorship by online users.

The Mission also noted that several credible institutions reported that the internet had been throttled on the eve of the general election through significant downgrades, which affected four internet service providers.

It said the Cyber and Data Protection Act criminalises the publication of false data intending to cause harm.

By Farai D Hove | Startling revelations have surfaced, pointing to a stark disconnect between the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s official statements and the ground reality. The police force has been accused of disseminating misinformation about the country’s peaceful state while allegations emerge that they have allowe the unleashing of FAZ agents and military deployments to sow chaos on behalf of the ruling party, ZANU PF. These claims, openly boasted by both the police force and ZANU PF leadership, span a period leading up to August 25, 2023.

SADC observers have reportedly witnessed election-related violence perpetrated by FAZ terrorists across Zimbabwe during polling. A pattern of deploying and glorifying violence has persisted since December 1, 2017, running into the 23rd August 2023.

Christopher Mutsvangwa, ZANU PF’s spokesperson, declared the military’s intended role in altering election outcomes to surpass ZANU PF’s 1980 independence margin. A significant connection emerges between Mutsvangwa’s statements and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe’s 21 August 2024 declaration of security service deployment to counter post-election violence planners. Notably, the entities inciting mayhem are purportedly linked to the ruling party, rather than the opposition.

A puzzling incident on August 2, 2018, saw President Constantino Chiwenga initially attributing civilian harm to “Chamisa’s hooligans,” only to later modify the narrative to suggest teargas canisters were responsible for bullet-like effects.

Recent developments compound the confusion, as the police accused citizens merely reading polling station numbers of inciting violence. Simultaneously, the police refuted claims of impending curfews and disturbances circulating on social media. In response, stern warnings were issued to those propagating falsehoods aimed at triggering panic, promising legal repercussions.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, released a statement assuring the public of a peaceful security situation. Nyathi outlined the police’s active presence, including motorized and foot patrols in various districts, emphasizing the safety of citizens and visitors. Dismissing reports of disturbances or curfews, Nyathi denounced false claims of roadblocks in Harare. The police’s ongoing deployments are intended to persist during the post-election period and beyond, underscoring their commitment to maintaining order.

In light of these revelations, concerns about the veracity of official communications and the true state of affairs in Zimbabwe have come to the forefront, raising questions about the role of the police force and the underlying political dynamics.

A lorry belonging to Gutu Central CCC candidate Matthew Takaona and its two occupants is reportedly missing after it was attacked by Zanu PF activists at Deure Business Center in Ward 21. The phones of the two who had gone to deliver food to CCC polling agents are no longer reachable.

PRESS STATEMENT

Zimbabwe took to the polls on the 23rd August 2023 in the Harmonised Elections to elect a President, Members of Parliament and Local Authority Councillors.

The polls were however extended to the 24th of August 2023 following delays by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) in distributing ballot papers to several polling stations. As an accredited Local Observer Mission, the Centre for Electoral Democracy Trust (CEDT) wishes to make its pronouncements regarding the conduct of the elections.

The CEDT Observer Mission noted that the mood of the voters across the country was generally peaceful and upbeat with highlighted incidents of violations.

CEDT noted the incidence of inter-party skirmishes where alleged Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members aggressively confronted ZANU PF officials conducting exit poll surveys at polling stations in Bikita and Norton.

These surveys were being conducted beyond the 300m boundary from the polling station regulation. The confrontations have been roundly condemned as an interference in intra-party processes which are not in violation of the Electoral Act nor the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) regulations and guidelines.

There were also reported cases of political violence in Mt Darwin and Muzarabani. We hope law enforcement authorities will take appropriate action.

Also noted is the arrest of 41 suspects by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on allegations of engaging in subversive and criminal activities related to the yet to be announced Presidential election results.

CEDT also notes the delays in the opening of some polling stations beyond the 0700 hours starting time. We also note that ZEC has since acknowledged the delays in the distribution of ballot papers and duly made an adjustment to the closing times to compensate for the delays and maintain the 12-hour polling timeframes.

CEDT has also noted that voter turnout across the country was generally high.

This bears testimony to an election environment in which citizens are able to exercise their democratic rights as constitutionally provided for.

We are satisfied with the timeous publishing of results for Presidential, National Assembly and Local Authority by ZEC at each polling station after going through the necessary processes and in the presence of all contestants or their polling agents.

CEDT now awaits the final count and announcement of outstanding results for the Presidential, National Assembly and Local Authority elections by the electoral management body, ZEC. CEDT further exhorts Zimbabweans to maintain the prevailing peace, orderliness and unity of purpose in the 2023 Harmonised Elections thus far.

Issued by:
Dr. Lawrence Mhandara
DIRECTOR – RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

Zimbabwe took to the polls on the 23rd August 2023 in the Harmonised Elections to elect a President, Members of Parliament and Local Authority Councillors.

The polls were however extended to the 24th of August 2023 following delays by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) in distributing ballot papers to several polling stations. As an accredited Local Observer Mission, the Centre for Electoral Democracy Trust (CEDT) wishes to make its pronouncements regarding the conduct of the elections.

The CEDT Observer Mission noted that the mood of the voters across the country was generally peaceful and upbeat with highlighted incidents of violations.

CEDT noted the incidence of inter-party skirmishes where alleged Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members aggressively confronted ZANU PF officials conducting exit poll surveys at polling stations in Bikita and Norton.

These surveys were being conducted beyond the 300m boundary from the polling station regulation. The confrontations have been roundly condemned as an interference in intra-party processes which are not in violation of the Electoral Act nor the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) regulations and guidelines.

There were also reported cases of political violence in Mt Darwin and Muzarabani. We hope law enforcement authorities will take appropriate action.

Also noted is the arrest of 41 suspects by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on allegations of engaging in subversive and criminal activities related to the yet to be announced Presidential election results.

CEDT also notes the delays in the opening of some polling stations beyond the 0700 hours starting time. We also note that ZEC has since acknowledged the delays in the distribution of ballot papers and duly made an adjustment to the closing times to compensate for the delays and maintain the 12-hour polling timeframes.

CEDT has also noted that voter turnout across the country was generally high.

This bears testimony to an election environment in which citizens are able to exercise their democratic rights as constitutionally provided for.

We are satisfied with the timeous publishing of results for Presidential, National Assembly and Local Authority by ZEC at each polling station after going through the necessary processes and in the presence of all contestants or their polling agents.

CEDT now awaits the final count and announcement of outstanding results for the Presidential, National Assembly and Local Authority elections by the electoral management body, ZEC. CEDT further exhorts Zimbabweans to maintain the prevailing peace, orderliness and unity of purpose in the 2023 Harmonised Elections thus far.

Issued by:
Dr. Lawrence Mhandara
DIRECTOR – RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS

A lorry belonging to Gutu Central CCC candidate Matthew Takaona and its two occupants is reportedly missing after it was attacked by Zanu PF activists at Deure Business Center in Ward 21. The phones of the two who had gone to deliver food to CCC polling agents are no longer reachable.

EU Condemns Harassment Of ZESN, ERC Officials

Press Release
For immediate release
Curtailed rights and lack of level playing field compounded by
intimidation; election day largely calm, but disorderly
HARARE, 25 August 2023 – “The legal framework could provide an adequate basis to conduct
elections in line with international standards espoused by Zimbabwe, if implemented properly. However,
the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) concludes that curtailed rights and lack of level playing
field led to an environment that was not always conducive to voters making a free and informed choice
in Zimbabwe’s 2023 Harmonised Elections”, stated EU EOM Chief Observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo
today in Harare.
In his presentation of the EU EOM’s preliminary statement, reflecting the EU EOM’s findings up to this
time, while important parts of the electoral process are still ongoing – the EU EOM Chief Observer
stressed: “The passing of regressive legal provisions and acts of violence and intimidation resulted in
a climate of fear.
The violent arrest of members of accredited citizen observer organisations ZESN and ERC, who
exercised their constitutional rights, on 23 August, is of great concern. Both organisations are credible
and respected human rights defenders.”
Andreas Schieder, head of the seven-member delegation of the European Parliament (EP) said “We
also strongly condemn the raids that led to the arrest of these human rights defenders.” The EP
delegation endorses the EU EOM preliminary statement.
Chief Observer Castaldo emphasised: “Ultimately the elections fell short of many regional and
international standards, including key principles of equality, universality, transparency and
accountability.”
“While election day was assessed by the EU EOM as largely calm, the election process overall was
hampered by significant issues regarding the independence and transparency of the Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission (ZEC). The ZEC missed opportunities to increase public trust in the integrity of
voting and results management”, said the EU EOM Chief Observer.
Mr. Castaldo added: “The failure of ZEC to provide critical electoral material such as paper ballots
resulted in many polling stations opening with severe delays, leading to an increasingly tense
atmosphere in some locations.”
“The EU EOM also noted the central role of the judiciary in the process, given the unprecedented high
number of pre-election court challenges, pertaining to both: right to contest and validity of all key legal
texts, some of which remain unresolved”, said the Chief Observer.
“The campaign presented voters with a range of viewpoints, but there was a lack of level playing field,
particularly regarding the freedom of assembly”, said Mr. Castaldo. “The EU EOM’s media analysis
revealed similar short-comings. State-controlled media allocated substantially more airtime and print-
space to the ruling party, President Mnangagwa and the government.
“The EU EOM experienced problems in assessing official bodies. This was despite an administrative
arrangement between the Zimbabwean government and the European Union which stipulated access
to all participants in the electoral process. The EU EOM also deplores an extensive and sustained
disinformation and defamation campaign in some media and social platforms against the EU EOM and
other international observer organisations”, highlighted the Chief Observer.
The EU EOM was invited by the government of Zimbabwe to observe the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
Based on its methodology of long-term, independent and impartial observation, and bound by a strict
code of conduct, first members of the EU EOM arrived in Zimbabwe on 8 July. In total the mission
comprised 150 observers from all 27 EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The
mission adhered strictly to its principle of non-interference.

EUEOM statement on elections in Zimbabwe

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Curtailed Rights and Lack of Level Playing Field Compounded by Intimidation,
Election Day Largely Calm, but Disorderly
Harare, 25 August 2023
This preliminary statement of the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) is delivered before the
completion of the entire electoral process. Critical stages remain, including tabulation of results and
adjudication of petitions. The EU EOM is now only in a position to comment on observation undertaken to
date, and will later publish a final report, including full analysis and recommendations for electoral reform.
The EU EOM may also make additional statements on election-related matters as and when it considers it
appropriate.
Summary
The Zimbabwean Harmonised Elections of 23 August took place in a progressively tense atmosphere in
some locations due to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) failure to provide critical electoral
material, which resulted in many polling stations opening with severe delays, some late into the night and
the following day. Voters queued for long periods of time to be able to vote, reflecting their democratic
aspirations. During the election process, fundamental freedoms were increasingly curtailed, both in the
passing of regressive legal changes like the patriotic provisions to the Criminal Code and by acts of
violence and intimidation, which resulted in a climate of fear.
The candidate registration process and the campaign led to an environment that hampered voters from
making a free and informed choice on election day. The election was also impacted by significant issues
regarding the independence and transparency of ZEC, which could have done more to inform the public.
It also missed opportunities to increase public trust in the integrity of voting and results management.
Ultimately, while election day was peaceful, the election process fell short of many regional and
international standards, including equality, universality, and transparency.
On election night, there was a raid conducted across four locations in Harare, including at the Holiday
Inn where the EU EOM and other international observation groups are based. In these actions, 39 people
from ZESN (Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network) and ERC (Electoral Resource Centre) were arrested;
a police statement the next morning clarified that it was for “coordinating the alleged release of election
results”. These organisations are part of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM),
a network that follows the Declaration of Principles for non-partisan election observation. Their initial
denial of legal counsel for some 12 hours raised significant concerns.
Despite an Administrative Arrangement between the Zimbabwean government and the European Union
which stipulated freedom of access to all interlocutors, the EU EOM experienced problems in accessing
official bodies. There was an extensive disinformation campaign against the EU EOM and unacceptable
attempts to discredit the mission as well as other international observer organisations by some media.
The legal framework for elections could provide an adequate basis to conduct elections in line with
regional and international standards espoused by Zimbabwe, if implemented properly. However, despite
amendments to the constitution (2021) and the electoral act (2023), key challenges remain. Moreover,
legislation recently passed eroded the separation of powers and curtailed the rights of assembly,
association, and expression, limiting the civic and political space. The regulatory framework is
insufficient and lacks important procedural details. ZEC’s inconsistent publication of its decisions and
regulations compromised the principles of transparency, accessibility, and legal certainty.
Although voters were offered a choice of political alternatives, the overall inclusivity of the candidate
registration remained limited. Unreasonable registration criteria and ZEC’s inconsistent and discretionary
implementation, an unduly high registration fee and ZEC’s demand for USD cash payments constituted
obstacles to inclusivity: one-fifth of all aspiring candidates were rejected. Court cases on registration
remained outstanding until after election day, affecting the candidates’ abilities to stand.

The law provides for the right to redress and judicial review for all aspects of the electoral process,
however, timely and effective remedy was undermined by a lack of any timelines. The judiciary played
a central part in the process given the high number of pre-election court challenges on the constitutional
validity of all key legal texts, some of which remain unresolved. Many EU EOM stakeholders conveyed
their opinion that trust in the judicial system is low.

ZEC’s pre-electoral preparations went largely according to schedule. However, court disputes over
candidate registration caused delays in ballot printing and impacted postal voting. There were significant
concerns regarding ZEC’s transparency. The absence of a public procedure for appointing lower-level
commissions decreased public trust. Furthermore, ZEC did not consistently address public concerns
related to constituency boundary delimitation, voter registration, candidate registration and ballot
security; for instance, the final list of polling stations was only made public on election day. ZEC also did
not have a well-organised communications strategy to deal with problems.
Voter registration was a significant point of contention. ZEC did not publicly disclose details prior to
these elections of its efforts to verify the accuracy of the voter registration data. Before elections, ZEC
did not provide fully analysable electronic copies of the register to political parties and civil society. After
persistent requests and two legal challenges, it eventually released the electronic voters’ roll to parties on
10 July. Many stakeholders alleged that ZEC amended the ‘final’ voter register after publication. The
absence of clear communication from ZEC about changes further eroded confidence in the voter roll’s
accuracy.
The campaign presented voters with a range of viewpoints but there was a lack of a level playing field
among contestants due to undue limitations and observed cases of coercion and intimidation. The
campaign was moderately visible, and the atmosphere was calm, but underpinned by palpable tensions.
Freedom of assembly was unduly restricted in many cases by arbitrary implementation of the
Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MPOA). Police used force to disperse several opposition
gatherings. Despite appeals for peace by various actors some instances of violence took place, including
one killing. These cases of intimidation and violence increased as election day neared.
The media legal framework largely reflects rights provided for in the constitution, but recent laws curtail
these freedoms. The liberalisation of media licensing has expanded the landscape, but ownership
structures undermine pluralism. EU EOM media analysis revealed that state ZBC devoted over two-thirds
of its news and current affairs coverage to ZANU-PF, President Mnangagwa, and the current government.
Monitored ZBC-owned radio stations gave the ruling party almost all their election-related airtime.
Digital rights are restricted by law, notably online freedom of speech, access to the internet, access to
information online, right to privacy and data protection. This resulted in fear and self-censorship on the
part of online users met with by EU EOM.

Manipulated election-related content allegedly done by some
political parties, was circulated widely on social media, especially on WhatsApp groups, limiting voter’s
ability to make informed decisions.
On election day, despite the overall calm environment, voter frustration was evident in some places due
to long waits caused by extensive delays in the opening of numerous polling stations (PS). These delays,
many exceeding 10 hours, but some lasting into the next day resulted from the late distribution of ballots
and voters’ rolls. The most pronounced delays were observed in Bulawayo, Harare, and Manicaland,
oppositional strongholds. EU EOM observers also saw flyers falsely informing voters of electoral boycott
by CCC, which may have confused some.

While the voting was generally assessed positively by EU EOM observers, unauthorized individuals
tracked voters at nearly one-fifth of PS, potentially indicating pressure. Conditions in PS where voting
continued into the night due to late openings were often inadequate. Voters’ rolls were not consistently
displayed outside PS; this, coupled with insufficient information on polling locations, made it challenging
for many voters to identify their designated PS. Following the count, in some instances, PS results were
neither provided to party agents nor displayed at the PS. ZEC’s communication regarding the delays, its
reasons, and the actual voting hours was insufficient.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has been present in the Zimbabwe since 8 July following
an invitation from the Zimbabwean authorities. The Mission is led by Chief Observer, Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Member
of the European Parliament (Italy). In total, the EU EOM deployed some 150 observers from 27 EU Member States,
plus Canada, Norway and Switzerland, across the country to assess the whole electoral process against international
commitments for democratic elections as well as the laws of Zimbabwe. Over the course of the mission, the EU EOM
held over 1,600 meetings with interlocutors from state authorities, judiciary, political parties and candidates, civil society
organisations (CSOs), and media. A delegation of the European Parliament, headed by Andreas Schieder (Austria),
MEP, also joined the mission and fully endorses this Statement. On election day, observers visited over 508 polling
stations in all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe to observe voting, counting and collation of results.
This preliminary statement is delivered prior to the completion of the election process. The final assessment of the
elections will depend, in part, on the conduct of the remaining stages of the election process, in particular, the tabulation
of results, and the handling of possible post-election day complaints and appeals.

The EU EOM remains in country to
observe post-election developments and will publish a final report, containing detailed recommendations, within two
months of the conclusion of the electoral process.

The EU EOM is independent in its findings and conclusions and adheres to the Declaration of Principles for
International Election Observation endorsed at the United Nations in October 2005.

Preliminary Findings
Background
The 23 August harmonised elections were the second after the November 2017 events that resulted in
President Robert Mugabe’s resignation after 37 years in office. Emmerson Mnangagwa emerged the
winner of the July 2018 presidential election, and the Zimbabwe African National Congress-Patriotic
Front (ZANU-PF) obtained a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and marginally lower results
in the Senate. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) won 87 seats.
Concerns about the results escalated into protests that were quashed by the military. The MDC-A recalled
21 of its parliamentarians after the courts stripped Nelson Chamisa of party leadership in March 2020.

His newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) won 19 -of the 28 seats contested in the March
2022 by-elections.

The adoption of the patriotic provisions of the Criminal Code in July 2023, legislative work on the Private
Voluntary Organisations (PVO) bill and uneven implementation of the Maintenance of Peace and Order
Act (MPOA) underlined the closing space for the exercise of freedom of association, assembly, and
expression. Convictions or detentions of opposition politicians since the last elections gave rise to
accusations of political prosecution and politicisation of the judiciary.
Zimbabwe stated its commitment to a holistic “Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution” process
encompassing governance, land, and economic reforms with its foreign creditors. Many interlocutors
described the elections as a litmus test for its international reengagement.

Legal Framework
Overall, the legal framework could provide an adequate basis to conduct elections in line with
international standards espoused by Zimbabwe, if implemented properly.

Elections are governed by the
2013 Constitution, which provides for fundamental freedoms. This was last amended in 2021 and
corrected in 2023, and the 2004 Electoral Act, last amended in 2023. Pertinent provisions of other laws.

also apply: the 2001 Political Parties (Finance) Act, the 2004 Criminal Code, (amended 2023) and an
array of media-related legislation.

The legal framework is supplemented by ZEC.
The 2021 constitutional amendments eroded elements of the separation of powers.

Judicial independence
increased presidential powers of appointment and tenure extension. Subsequent legislation curtailed the
rights and freedoms guaranteed in the constitution and limited civic space. The ‘patriotic provisions’
added to the criminal code on 14 July criminalise statements or participation in meetings that “wilfully
injure the sovereignty and national interest”. The Cyber and Data Protection Act, in combination with the
Interception of Communications Act, allow wiretapping and internet blocking without court
order. Further, MPOA penalises unsanctioned gatherings and gives the police extensive powers to curtail
public assembly. Interlocutors told the EU EOM that the ‘patriotic provisions’ had a chilling effect on
civil society organisations (CSOs). Many of them were unwilling to meet with EU EOM observers or
conveyed that they would not share information freely because of this.
Amendments to the constitution in 2021 incorporated some changes to the electoral system with
provisions of women and youth quotas, and the removal of the vice-presidential ticket, with subsequent
changes made to the electoral act on 19 July. However, shortcomings identified by the EU EOM in the
past have not been addressed, and deficiencies pertaining to the electoral administration independence,
voter equality, voter registration, candidate registration, campaign finance and complaints and appeals
remain. The need for meaningful election legal reform persists as no positive reform was undertaken and
no previous EU EOM recommendations taken into account.
As the 19 July amendments to the electoral act were enacted after the proclamation of elections, they will
only apply for future elections. In the absence of statutory legislation, ZEC decided to apply constitutional
provisions directly. However, the regulatory framework is insufficient as it lacks important procedural
details. Moreover, ZEC decisions and regulations were not consistently published or on ZEC’s website.
This compromised the principles of transparency, accessibility, and legal certainty. Legislative clarity
was also precluded by the lack of availability of updated legal texts.
Electoral Administration
Throughout the electoral period, overall public confidence in ZEC remained low. Allegations of
irregularities including gerrymandering affected the public acceptance of the newly delimited
constituency boundaries. Nomination courts registered multiple CCC candidates in the same
constituencies. The high fees associated with candidate registration and observer and media accreditation
were widely seen as undue barriers of participation. Despite good access to lower-level offices, the EU
EOM had serious difficulties to meet or receive information from ZEC at the national level.
ZEC’s pre-electoral preparations went largely according to schedule. However, there were delays in
printing ballot papers for electoral constituencies impacted by court disputes over candidate registration,
including for the presidential ballot. This resulted in delays in postal voting. As election day neared,
transparency concerns about ZEC operations intensified. ZEC did not adequately address public concerns,
including related to the accuracy of the voter register, candidate registration, and the design, printing, and
delivery of ballot papers. These controversies underscored the need for ZEC to communicate more
transparently to enhance public confidence.
ZEC seconded some 150,000 temporary staff, mainly civil servants, to serve in its bodies established at
constituency, ward, and polling station levels. The selection process, as managed by ZEC, lacked
transparency, and there were no legal or administrative measures in place to guarantee their impartiality.
Positively, the training sessions for lower-level commission members were assessed by EU EOM
observers as being comprehensive and effective, overall.
Election day and results management procedures were provided to polling station personnel as training
manuals but not published in any other formats. The guidelines reflected recent legislative changes.

Yet,Harmonised Elections
Preliminary Statement
Page 5 of 12
25 August 2023
5
they did not fully clarify how the tabulation would be conducted, potentially leading to incoherent
approaches.

To inform the electorate about election day procedures and promote peace, ZEC conducted a nationwide
voter education campaign through door-to-door canvassing, roadshows, leaflets, and social networks.

This campaign was carried out in multiple languages, with specific messages targeting women and youth,
demonstrating inclusivity. To help voters identify their polling station locations, ZEC established an SMS
inquiry service and instructed polling stations to post voter lists in accessible locations two days before
voting. However, many polling stations did not post them before election day due to the late arrival of
the materials.

The issue of new constituency boundaries was an important issue and many EU EOM
interlocutors raised concerns about whether the campaign’s reach was sufficient to adequately inform
voters about their corresponding polling station locations. Also, civil society voter education efforts were
hampered by their very late accreditation (two weeks before election day).

Citizens on state duty outside their residence on election day were allowed to vote by post.

ZEC approved
17,606 postal voting applications from police, military personnel, election officials, and diplomats
stationed abroad. Due to delays in ballot printing linked to the court cases, ZEC decided to extend the
deadline for receiving postal ballots by 10 days, setting the new deadline 3 days before the election day.
According to reports from the opposition, on 15 and 16 August, police marked their postal ballots in an
organised manner, sometimes under the supervision of their commanders, which might have
compromised the secrecy of the vote. In some cases, EU EOM direct observations saw vote secrecy being
compromised.
Voter Registration
ZEC is responsible for maintaining and updating the permanent biometric voter register. Voters could
scrutinize the accuracy of their data and request corrections from 27 to 31 May. By law, voters who
actively registered by 2 June were included in the voters’ roll for these elections. ZEC announced the
total number of registered voters as 6,619,690.
The integrity of the voters’ roll remained a significant point of contention. ZEC did not inform the public
of its efforts to verify the accuracy of the voter registration data, remove potential duplicates or erroneous
entries, or protect voters’ personal data. Despite a legal obligation to initiate the deregistration of voters
residing abroad for over 18 months, this provision was not enforced, which authorities attributed to a lack
of information. ZEC has periodically announced the removal of deceased people from the voters’ roll,
based on monthly information from the Registrar General. The most recent update was published in
February 2023.

The law entitles stakeholders to obtain both electronic and hard copies of the voters’ roll “within a
reasonable period of time after calling an election”. Leading up to the elections, ZEC refrained from
providing electronic copies of the register to political parties and civil society, citing concerns over
potential data manipulation.

Additionally, in contradiction to legal provisions that mandate a fee
reflecting reasonable cost, ZEC imposed a charge of USD 187,000 for each hard copy (USD 1 per page).

After persistent requests and two legal challenges by CCC against ZEC, it eventually released the final
electronic voters’ roll to parties on 10 July.
An analysis by concerned citizens, initiated in mid-July, alleged several inconsistencies and inaccuracies
in the voters’ roll. These included voters listed to vote in incorrect constituencies and wards, discrepancies
between the gazetted constituency boundaries and voter registration data, the use of duplicate or non-
existent identification numbers, and a potentially excessive number of voters registered at certain
residential addresses. While some of these issues might have impacted the right to vote for a potentially
high number of voters, ZEC did not publicly address these concerns.

Many stakeholders alleged that ZEC amended the ‘final’ voter register after its publication at the
beginning of July. The absence of clear communication from ZEC about these potential changes further
eroded stakeholder confidence. In light of these concerns, on 11 August, the CCC formally submitted a
request to the electoral court, seeking the most recent electronic versions of both the voter register and
the polling station list. The request was rejected on 22 August on technical grounds. ZEC did not publish
the complete PS list data with codes and voter numbers, in a database-friendly format. This prevented
cross-verification with the published voter registration data, reducing transparency.
Registration of Candidates
The inclusivity of registration was hampered by undue requirements. ZEC was also inconsistent in its
application of the rules. An unreasonably high fee and ZEC’s instance on USD cash payments in most
cases constituted an unreasonable obstacle. One fifth of all aspiring candidates were rejected. Court cases
pertaining to candidate registration remained outstanding until election day, affecting the candidates’
possibilities to participate.

Candidate registration requirements include supporting signatures from registered voters and a fee of
USD 20,000 for presidential candidates and USD 1,000 for candidates to the parliament. This is a 20-fold
increase and numerous parties and candidates stated that this is an unreasonable hurdle of candidacy.

Moreover, in most cases, only cash payments were accepted, preventing many candidates from registering
and triggering numerous court cases. At least 170 were denied on this basis, but Elisabeth Valerio won
her appeal to become the only woman presidential candidate.

The law provides that the rejection of a nomination can be appealed before the electoral court within four
days, but there are no legal time limits to challenge the nomination of a candidate registered through
regular court proceedings.

Moreover, courts are not bound by any deadlines to render a decision. Appeals
were lodged against both the registration and rejection of candidates.

Noteworthy appeals included a challenge from a ZANU-PF activist against independent presidential
hopeful Saviour Kasukuwere, who was rejected on the grounds that he had not resided in Zimbabwe for
the preceding 18 months. An appeal before the constitutional court was rejected.

CCC also went to court
alleging that multiple aspirants that had not been put forward by the party were nonetheless able to register
in the CCC name with the aim of splitting the vote. In 20 constituencies, these were dismissed.

In
Bulawayo, all 12 CCC parliamentary candidate registrations and 6 other opposition candidates were
disputed on the grounds of late submission, but the decision was overturned by the Supreme Court on 3
August.
Nomination papers for candidacies had to be filed before nomination courts on 21 June. Eleven
presidential and 636 NA candidates were registered, with CCC and ZANU-PF being the only parties
fielding candidates in all constituencies. Party lists contained 144 senatorial candidates, 138 women to
fill the quota and 42 youths. Almost 5,000 candidates registered to contest the 1,970 local ward seats;
only ZANU-PF nominated candidates in all wards. In 91 wards and in Bulawayo provincial council,
ZANU-PF candidates stand unopposed, thus automatically elected.
Campaign Environment
The campaign presented voters with alternative viewpoints but was marred by a lack of level playing
field among contestants in terms of resources, security, and enjoyment of fundamental freedoms. The
campaign was not uniformly visible, with candidate posters displayed on trees, lampposts, and walls in
both urban and rural areas. Billboards were limited and mainly portrayed the incumbent president.
Defacement of materials from many parties was commonplace and was one of the highest subjects of
lower-level court cases.

1 ZANU-PF ran the most lavish campaign and held the highest number of rallies
with the largest audiences, with bussing by a public transport company noted countrywide.2
Overall, the environment was not always conducive to the making of a free and informed choice. The
atmosphere was subdued but underpinned by palpable tensions. Despite appeals for peace by national
and international actors, instances of violence, including battery, arson and kidnappings were noted by
EU EOM, especially in rural areas.3 Cases increased as election day neared. A CCC supporter was killed
in a so-called opposition no-go area; 15 people were arrested and charged, pending trial. The intimidating
presence of Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), was observed by the EU EOM at many rallies.4
Several observers received first-hand reports of coerced/incentivised attendance at ZANU-PF events.5
Cases of the latter’s supporters disturbing other parties’ rallies were observed in several areas.6
Freedom of assembly was unduly restricted in most cases by arbitrary implementation of MPOA
provisions. On some occasions, police used force to disperse opposition gatherings that extended past the
timeframes specified in assembly notifications.
7 CCC told the EU EOM that over 100 notifications were
rejected since January.

The police told the EU EOM that it denied 14 percent of CCC and 33 percent of
MDC-T events, while disallowing 10 percent of ZANU-PF’s events. As a result, the CCC focused on
meeting voters door-to-door or in the evenings, but police also sanctioned some of these activities.8 EU
EOM observed that opposition politicians were not always free to travel to campaign locations because
of physical attacks and roadblocks.9 The provincial roads authority in Mashonaland Central said that
billboard content be submitted for pre-approval, having a detrimental effect on free expression: some ad
agencies stopped accepting political advertising from opposition parties.

Fiscal measures, salary increases, and other support for groups such as civil servants and the security
sector were announced by the government before elections.

Despite the newly elected head of the Council
of Chief’s pledge to ensure the impartiality of traditional leaders, these were present at most rallies, as
1 This was observed by EU EOM in Harare, Mashonaland West (Chinhoyi and Morumbedzi, Makonde),
Manicaland (Nyanga, Matasa North, Matasa Central, Matasa South, Shingirai Muponda, Tsunga Regai),
Bulawayo, Matabeleland North; Midlands (Gowke Town, Kwekwe Town), Chitungwiza South, Harare;
Mashonaland West (Chinhoyi, Zvimba North); Marondera, Mashonaland East; Matabeleland South;
Mashonaland Central; Masvingo (Chiredzi); and Midlands. 2 Amongst places observed by EU EOM, this occurred in Harare throughout; Mashonaland Central (Bindura);
Manicaland, (Buhera, Makoni Rusape); Masvingo; Matabeleland South; Mashonaland North; Midlands;
Mashonaland West throughout; Mashonaland Central; Mashonaland East (Mutawatawa); Matabeleland North
(Hwange); Midlands throughout; Bulawayo; Gutu in Masvingo; amongst other locations. 3 EU EOM observers noted such instances in Harare (Chitungwiza), Mashonaland West (Zvimba East),
Mashonaland East (Marondera), Manicaland (Burma Valley); Masvingo (Gutu), Bulawayo, Mashonaland West;
Mashonaland Central; Midlands; Mashonaland East; Masvingo (Chivi); and Harare South. 4 Areas where this was observed by EU EOM included Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, Masvingo,
Mashonaland North, Hurunge, Mashonaland West; Sanyati and Chegutu in Harare; Mashonaland East; Makoni
in Manicaland; Buhera in Manicaland; Marondera, Mashonaland East; Hwange, Matabeleland North;
Mutawatawa in Mashonaland East; Chirumanzu in Midlands; Chiredzi in Masvingo; Zaka, Masvingo; Kariba,
Mashonaland West; Mount Darwin in Mashonaland Central; Gweru in Midland; Gutu in Masvingo; Muzarabani
in Mashonaland Central; Goromonzi in Mashonaland East; Bindura in Mashonaland Central; Mutoko in
Mashonaland East; Hwange in Matabeleland North; and Bubi in Matabeleland North. 5 For instance, in Manicaland; Mashonaland Central; Mashonaland East; and Matabeleland North. 6 EU EOM observers saw this in Mashonaland West; Mashonaland East; Masvingo; Mashonaland West; and
Manicaland. 7 In Masvingo (Mawungawa); Masvingo urban, Masvingo; Midlands; Marondera in Mashonaland East, for
instance. 8 In Mashonaland West (Hurungwe), Mangwe in Matabeleland South; Hurungwe, Mashonaland West;
Matabeleland South; Midlands. Please note that the ZRP has announced that it would not tolerate nightly
assemblies. 9 In Mashonaland Central; Masvingo; Manicaland; Marondera in Mashonaland East.

before elections, the electoral court ruled that the matter is not urgent and would be dealt with after the
elections.

Digital Communication and Social Media
Although the constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and
privacy, including online, a number of laws restrict digital rights. Laws targeting free speech instilled fear
and resulted in self-censorship by online users. The Cyber and Data Protection Act criminalises the
publication of false data intending to cause harm. Internet shutdowns and disruptions, state surveillance
and interception of communications without a court order are provided for, placing excessive powers in
the state. A Cybersecurity and Monitoring of Interception of Communications Centre operates within the
Office of the President. Ahead of the elections, ZANU PF allegedly sent unsolicited canvassing SMS
messages to voters, raising concerns among interlocutors over undue access to voters’ data.
On social media, the CCC, their presidential and NA candidates were the most active, using online
platforms to campaign. WhatsApp was the dominant channel, followed by X and Facebook. The EU
EOM analysed the electoral and non-electoral contestant accounts of over 1,500 election-related posts on
Facebook and X. Official political parties accounts were largely informational, but over 35 percent of
CCC’s posts had content denouncing political violence and state abuse, with some accusatory and harsh
language towards government, ZANU-PF, and its supporters. Divisive narratives were observed,
although social media users exercised caution under a legal framework that criminalizes undermining
authority or insulting the president.
The EU EOM identified unverified claims and falsehoods being disseminated online. The use of
manipulated content was a common technique, notably videos and images taken out of context, including
of injured people to denounce political violence. Manipulated election-related information circulated
widely on social media, especially in WhatsApp groups. This limited voter’s ability to make an inform
choice. Independent national fact-checking initiatives such as ZIMFACT noted being unable to fact-
check all WhatsApp messages. Doctored images of rallies making small crowds seem large and of CCC
campaign posters containing false information also circulated. Manipulated videos of both the president
and Mr. Chamisa, with their voices edited to give wrong messages were published.
Participation of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
Women’s participation decreased in the 2023 election. Only one woman is among the 11 presidential
candidates, Ms. Valerio. A second woman was denied registration on the grounds of not paying the
registration fee. Only 45 out of 647 NA candidates (6.96 percent) nominated for the general elections
were women. And in local authorities, out of the 4,925 candidates, only 755 (16 percent) were women.
The constitution introduced a quota system to guarantee the presence of women in parliament. However,
the quotas benefit the party elites by creating representatives without constituency that are pre-selected
by the party rather than ensuring effective women and youth representation. These quotas seats do not
represent constituencies or wards and lack financial and reputational parity. Moreover, since women have
guaranteed seats, male party members seem to discourage women from contesting in constituency
contests. Nomination fees were also a barrier to many women aspirants. For senate, party lists must be
headed by a woman, and then the genders listed alternately. One of the two senators representing PwD is
to be a woman. This guarantees 31 seats for women out of 62.
Women candidates and activists experienced intimidation and violence, within their extended communal
families and on social media. Subsequently, several women CSOs formed a women’s situation room,
launched under the hashtag #EndViolenceVoteForHer, a campaign to support women candidates. Further,
the campaign deployed women election observers, with a specific focus on gender in the electoral process.
PwD remain marginalized. The legal framework reflects welfare rather than a rights-based perspective.
The constitution prohibits unfair discrimination against PwD, creating two senator seats (one man, one

woman) that are to be elected on 26 August. According to CSOs, there were three PwD candidates
contesting local elections, four on the quota lists, and one contesting as an MP. ZEC has one
commissioner with a disability.
Participation of National Minorities and Other Marginalized Groups
While almost all minorities live in underdeveloped and remote areas, a substantial number are also
considered stateless. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there
are currently approximately 300,000 stateless people some of whom do not enjoy citizen rights, including
the right to vote as they are unable to obtain documentation such as birth certificates. Those are necessary
to get an identity document, which is a prerequisite to register as voters, to study, access jobs or to open
bank accounts. Many of them are unable to prove their citizenship. Political parties and candidates are
silent on people of diverse sexual identities. During the campaign, LGBTIQ+ phobic insults circulated
and there is no openly LGBTIQ+ candidate or public official. According to CSOs, community members
are harassed.
Civil Society and Domestic Observers / Citizen Observation
Numerous civil society and church-based organizations actively observed the electoral process. The
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), the main election observation organization, deployed
some 7,500 observers on election day. However, most organisations consistently voiced concerns about
the shrinking space for civil society activities and the challenges of obtaining accreditation from ZEC.
The USD 10 accreditation fee per observer was highlighted as an additional obstacle. Further, ZEC denied
accreditation to some citizen and international observers without justification. Overall, the accreditation
process, outsourced by law to an accreditation committee including to various state actors, lacked
transparency.
ZEC required special accreditation for organisations wishing to conduct voter education. ZESN, after
applying in May, only received this accreditation on 8 August; the Election Resource Centre was unable
to obtain such accreditation. This restriction on CSOs’ activities represented a missed opportunity to
inform voters more comprehensively about the electoral process.
Various international organizations, including the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the Common
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth of Nations, the Southern
African Development Community (SADC), and The Carter Center (TCC), deployed election observation
missions. ZEC imposed a USD 400 fee per person for the accreditation of observers from certain
international organizations.

This fee is excessively high, and limits observer activity, resulting in
diminished transparency.

On election night, there was a raid conducted across four locations in Harare, including at the Holiday
Inn where the EU EOM and other international observation groups are based. In these actions, 39 people
from ZESN (Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network) and ERC (Electoral Resource Centre) were arrested;
a police statement the next morning clarified that it was for “coordinating the alleged release of election
results”. These organisations are part of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM),
a network that follows the Declaration of Principles for non-partisan election observation. Their initial
denial of legal counsel for some 12 hours raised significant concerns.
Electoral Dispute Resolution
The complaints and appeals process is in line with the principles of judicial review and second instance.
The right to legal remedy is provided for in the constitution, which empowers ZEC to receive and act on
citizens’ complaints. ZEC decisions can be challenged before the electoral court whose decisions can be
further appealed before the Supreme Court. The electoral court has jurisdiction over all election-related
matters except for petitions on the presidential election which are heard by the constitutional court.
Electoral courts were established on 1 June with the appointment of 35 high court judges.

While role of the judiciary in elections is limited to the resolution of electoral disputes, the acute lack of
confidence expressed by many interlocutors in the judiciary raised concerns about the role of courts in
settling electoral disputes and on public confidence in its rulings.
The pre-election process was characterised by an unprecedented level of litigation with ZEC being
respondent in some 140 cases. Not all of them had been resolved before election day, including on
candidate registration. In addition, legislation on key aspects of the election, including constitutional
provisions on the electoral system and eligibility criteria were challenged and remain unresolved. The
lack of timeframes to resolve pre-election cases hampered the right to an effective remedy.
Polling and Counting
Election day was free from violence, overall, although marked by evident voter frustration, occasionally
long queues, and overcrowding due to delayed openings in the affected areas. EU EOM observers saw
flyers in Bulawayo and Harare, falsely informing voters that the CCC was boycotting elections.
The EU EOM observed that 18 of the 55 polling stations (PS) visited opened after the scheduled 7:00
start because of the late delivery of ballot papers and some had still not opened by the late evening, which
significantly impacted citizens’ ability to vote. The most pronounced delays were observed in Bulawayo,
Harare, and Manicaland, with the opposition alleging the delays disproportionately affected their
strongholds. While ZEC attributed the delay to the late printing of ballots, in most cases, it was local
authority ballots that were absent, which were purportedly printed earlier. The EU EOM is not aware that
the wards concerned were impacted by court proceedings related to candidate registration. Most PS
adhered to opening procedures; however, in 16 cases of 55, ballot paper serial numbers were not
announced, undermining an important measure for integrity.
The EU EOM observed voting at 488 PS. In most observations during the regular operating hours, the
voting process was assessed positively. PS staff largely demonstrated a good understanding of the voting
process. The secrecy of the vote was largely respected. Procedures, such as voter identification and inking
of voters’ fingers, were mostly implemented in line with provisions. Nevertheless, in 19 percent of
observations, voters’ fingers were not consistently checked for ink upon entering PS. During
observations, almost all PS abided by the regulations regarding assisted voting, although in some
instances, EU EOM observers found the number of assisted voters to be unrealistically high. Contrary to
legal provisions, approximately 21 percent of the PS visited lacked independent access for wheelchair
users. Some 63 percent of the PS staff, including 38 percent of the presiding officers, were women. On
election day, EU EOM observers were prevented from accessing the Women’s Situation Room.
Political party agents, predominantly from CCC and ZANU-PF, were present at nearly all PS. Citizen
observers, largely from ZESN and, to a lesser degree, faith-based groups, were present in more than half
of the observed PS, enhancing transparency. In 19 percent of the PS observed, unauthorised individuals,
mainly associated with ‘ZANU-PF exit poll survey’ stands in the vicinity of polling stations, tracked
voters both before and after voting. This, combined with a police presence inside of 18 percent of PS may
have been intimidatory to voters and an undue pressure to support ruling party candidates.
On election day, a presidential decree extended voting to the next day in 27 wards in Manicaland, 11 in
Harare, and 2 in Mashonaland Central. In these areas, voting often took place during night-time hours,
under inadequate conditions. The ZEC did not share any information about the affected polling stations
and the actual voting hours, hindering transparency. Throughout the entire voting process, the EU EOM
observed numerous voters at different PS having difficulty identifying their PSs, underscoring the need
for better voter information. In a quarter of observed PS, voters were turned away because they were not
on the voters’ roll of the respective PS. Contrary to ZEC guidelines, 6 percent of PS did not display the
voters’ roll outside.

EU Election Observation Mission
Zimbabwe
Harmonised Elections
EU EOM observers observed counting in 51 PS. In numerous places, the counting started with a
significant delay, often the next day. While the majority of counts were assessed positively, there were 5
instances with negative evaluations. Ballot papers were not always shown to all present in 12 cases. In
15 cases of 51 cases, unused, spoiled ballots, counterfoil of used ballots, counterfoils of spoiled ballots
and the register of assisted voting were not packed and sealed properly. Counting staff experienced
difficulties completing the protocols in one third of all observed PS (17 cases). In 11 cases, the PS results
were not posted outside the PS; in 5 instances, party agents did not receive a copy of the results, and in 3
cases, they did not sign the results protocol. Results collation started in most of the places in the morning
hours of 24 August and was assessed as smooth in the first hours of the process.
On the eve of elections, there were credible organisations reporting that internet speeds had been
significantly downgraded. This throttling affected the country’s four main Internet service providers. The
EU EOM also identified hundreds of troll accounts highly active on X, pushing disinformation and
counter-narratives in support of the main two parties. The EU EOM was also trolled by these accounts,
with disinformation campaigns that included defamatory and malicious accusations.
An electronic version of this Preliminary Statement is available on the EU EOM website:
http://zimbabwe2023.eueom.eu

39 election observers have been arrested….

Sham election: Zanu PF desks were all over polling stations intimidating and recording people’s names before and after voting.

The setup is a flagrant violation of electoral laws!

The Government has distanced itself from a purported statutory instrument on the 2023 general elections that is circulating on social media.

The Deputy Chief Secretary Presidential Communications in the office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba told ZBC news this evening that the Zimbabwe Electoral commission does not need a statutory instrument to allow it to extend voting hours in areas where opening of polling stations was delayed.

All polling stations across the country were supposed to open at 7.am and close at 7.pm but due to delays in the delivery of some polling materials.

Polling will continue until Thursday in some affected areas.

Under the Electoral Act, the presiding officer at a polling station has a right to extend voting hours to compensate for any delays incurred during the voting process.-ZBC News

The Government has distanced itself from a purported statutory instrument on the 2023 general elections that is circulating on social media.

The Deputy Chief Secretary Presidential Communications in the office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba told ZBC news this evening that the Zimbabwe Electoral commission does not need a statutory instrument to allow it to extend voting hours in areas where opening of polling stations was delayed.

All polling stations across the country were supposed to open at 7.am and close at 7.pm but due to delays in the delivery of some polling materials.

Polling will continue until Thursday in some affected areas.

Under the Electoral Act, the presiding officer at a polling station has a right to extend voting hours to compensate for any delays incurred during the voting process.-ZBC News

By A Correspondent

The main opposition leader, the CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, has cast his vote at Kuwadzana East constituency Ward 44 in Harare and said victory was inevitable.

Chamisa said soon after voting:
“There is going to be a new Government in this country. There is going to be a new leader, the President. We are winning this election. We have won this election.
“They know it, that is why they are panicking, conniving with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and all these funny games. Funny games or no funny games, our victory is certain. We have won this election and we are going to continue insisting on peace and credible elections making sure that we have a legitimate outcome on this election,” he said.

The presiding officer at the polling station, Mr Willy Mate said 198 votes had been cast by midday, constituting 75 females and 125 males, while seven people were turned away because their names were not appearing on the voters’ roll.
The SADC Election Observer Mission Head, Dr Nevers Mumba, has complained about the delays in the voting process in most parts of Harare.

Sham election: Zanu PF desks were all over polling stations intimidating and recording people’s names before and after voting.

The setup is a flagrant violation of electoral laws!

Media Advisory
Press Conference
EU EOM Preliminary Statement

Date: Friday 25 August 2023

Time: 2 pm

Location: Holiday Inn Hotel, Harare, Kariba Room

Dear Sir or Madam

You are kindly invited to attend the press conference of the European Union Election Observation Mission to
the Republic of Zimbabwe on Friday 25 August, 2 pm, at the Holiday Inn in Harare.
EU EOM Chief Observer, Mr. Fabio Massimo Castaldo, will present the EU EOM preliminary statement.

Please note:
The press conference will start 2pm sharp.

Media are advised to arrive in a timely manner to allow for
registration.

The European Union Observer Mission in Zimbabwe will issue a preliminary statement on the August 23 polls.

In a brief statement to the media the European Union Observer Mission said:

“Preliminary Statement of European Union Election Observation Mission 2023.

Tomorrow, 25th August, at Holiday Inn. Time to be confirmed.”

Own Correspondent

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday remained hopeful that he would emerge victorious despite complaining about the way the election was being conducted.

Chamisa expressed fears of a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise his supporters in Harare and Bulawayo after some polling stations opened late due to late delivery of ballot papers.

At some polling stations, voting only started after lunch, whereas in the rural areas, there were few reports of disruptions.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) yesterday released a statement confirming delays in the delivery of ballot papers.

Chamisa, however, said Zec had failed citizens and his supporters.

“Voting is very important, but I must say that we are disappointed. Zec has failed us and it disappointed the citizens,” Chamisa said after casting his vote at Kuwadzana 2 Primary School.

“There has not been voting in our strongholds in the morning.”

Chamisa said his party would engage Zec over the party’s concerns.

“Even the ink that is being used is suspicious, it has not been confirmed if, indeed, it was indelible,” he said.

“We have taken it up with Zec but they do not have intelligent answers to give us. We are not happy with the voters roll. We are not happy with the issue of the ballot paper.

“We are not happy with what they are doing in rural areas, where there are violating people, where they are causing violence.”

Chamisa is having another go for the presidency, having lost the disputed 2018 poll to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is seeking re-election for a second term, with a narrow margin.

“We have won this election and we are going to continue to insist on peace and credible elections and making sure we have a legitimate outcome from this election,” he said.

“We have won, that is why they are panicking, that is why they are conniving with Zec to do all those funny games.”

Zec said it would announce all results within five days from today.

Police and the electoral management body have, however, warned individuals and various groupings against announcing results saying it is illegal.

-Newsday

Harare- The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition strongly condemns the police raid at the office and election centre of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) in Harare on August 23, 2023.

A police crack team raided the ZESN offices at around 10pm and arrested an estimated 40 personnel from ZESN and the Election Resource Centre (ERC) who remain detained incommunicado.

The heavily armed police crack team also confiscated all computers and other materials related to elections. ZESN is a registered organisation which was accredited to observe and monitor the August 23 elections in Zimbabwe.

The arrest of the ZESN and ERC officials is part of a deliberate ploy by the state to target civil society organisations and ultimately silence their voice on the 2023 elections which has apparently failed to meet the credibility test.

It is very sad that the Government of Zimbabwe through its shadowy outfit, the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) has opted to completely ignore the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance as well as the Zimbabwean Constitution to promote and protect the civil society space.

This mass arrest of the ZESN and ERC observers coupled with many other electoral malpractices puts a huge dent on the credibility of this election.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition implores the state to respect the Constitution and allow citizens to exercise their Constitutionally guaranteed rights to vote, associate and speak without any threat.

This night-raid and detention of peaceful civil society actors makes Zimbabwe an outpost of tyranny.

The state must desist from dictatorial tendencies and respect the pivotal role of civil society organisations in ensuring credible polls.

We wish to also remind the Zanu PF government that the right to vote is sacrosanct, not least because it is enshrined in our Constitution, but that it is a virtue of the liberation struggle.

To organise a sham election in which ordinary Zimbabweans fail to freely express themselves directly equates to reversing the gains of the liberation struggle.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls for the unconditional release of the ZESN and ERC officials.

We further call upon the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to firmly move in to assist Zimbabwe to dialogue towards comprehensively dealing with these structural defects of the state which constantly produce sham elections and a frozen citizenry.

The reform agenda of the Inclusive Government of 2009-2013 was missed, leading to the coup of 2017 and the sham elections of 2018 and 2023. Zimbabwe needs regional help.

Countdown to a New Great Zimbabwe with Chido Mutize Hamauswa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has awarded talk show host, Dr Rebecca Chisamba the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe Silver Award for her outstanding contributions to public service.

Her shows have tackled societal vices and issues that were deemed taboo.

The experts invited to her shows on various matters have given handy and critical advice, her listeners and viewers have found relief and significantily, solutions for challenges, which at times they would bear silently.

She is practically the National Aunt/Tete Venyika, Ubabakazi Welizwe.

She has contributed to transforming communities through challenging stereotypes, denouncing harmful
practices, dispeling fear, promoting courage and strength and harmonious living.- ZBC News

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has awarded talk show host, Dr Rebecca Chisamba the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe Silver Award for her outstanding contributions to public service.

Her shows have tackled societal vices and issues that were deemed taboo.

The experts invited to her shows on various matters have given handy and critical advice, her listeners and viewers have found relief and significantily, solutions for challenges, which at times they would bear silently.

She is practically the National Aunt/Tete Venyika, Ubabakazi Welizwe.

She has contributed to transforming communities through challenging stereotypes, denouncing harmful
practices, dispeling fear, promoting courage and strength and harmonious living.- ZBC News

ZIMBABWE’S annual inflation has dropped to 77,2 percent this month from over 100 percent in July this year as fiscal and monetary interventions to stabilise the economy bear fruit.

Since May this year, fiscal and monetary authorities have instituted measures to stabilise the economy.

The measures which include a tight addtitional money supply controls and promoting the use of the local currency have resulted in exchange rate and price stability in the country.

As for this month, prices continued with a positive response to macro-economic stabilisation measures with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) data released this Monday showing that annual inflation slowed down to just above 77 percent this month from 101 percent in July.

In line with the central bank’s prediction, month on month Inflation was at minus 6,3 percent this month from a July rate of minus 15, 3 percent.

Monetary authorities are also expecting inflation to continue declining in the second half of the year as monetary authorities stay the course of stability.

The government is pinning a continuous drop in inflation to also anchor the 5,3 percent growth forecast for this year.

In its latest Economic Outlook Report for the region, the African Development Bank (AfDB) says Zimbabwe will record the biggest fall in inflation in Southern Africa driven by the tight monetary policy stance and falling global prices.

ZIMSTAT states that inflation means the pace at which prices rise over a given period of time and as such, a fall in the rate does not necessarily reflect falling prices.- ZBC News