Message to International observers
ZPP urges early arrival and commitment from regional and international observers.
The pre-election period is crucial to holding free and fair elections, and all the
documented violations demonstrate how the environment is unconducive and may
lead to violent elections in the run up to and post August 23, 2023. Therefore, for
observers to contribute to free and fair democratic processes, early observation is
crucial. President Mnangagwa has extended invitations to international observers
ahead of the elections. ZPP calls for long-term observers, who usually arrive in the
country a few weeks before elections to be deployed earlier and assess the situation
on the ground before the elections.
ZPP calls for equitable access to state media for all political parties.
ZPP recommends that all state media channels offer political parties equal access to
their media outlets as well as networks. The media is an important tool during the
election period to promote harmony and tolerance among all political parties or to
disseminate information that promotes a free and fair election. The state media,
notably Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), covers rallies for the ruling party
but is not allowing equal access to opposition gatherings. ZBC outside broadcast the
Zanu PF rally in Chipinge live on their social media pages and on local radio stations on
June 24. All candidates should be made visible to the public by the media so that
voters can make informed decisions.
SPECIAL FOCUS
In the month of June the special focus area centred on equality and nondiscrimination, political rights, freedom of assembly and association, personal security
and right to administrative justice.
Political Rights
ZPP recorded a total number of 21 cases in which the political rights of citizens were
violated. Mashonaland Central and Midlands had five cases each, while Mashonaland
East, Manicaland, and Matebeleland South recorded a case for each.
A case of intimidation was reported in Headlands at Kwirire Primary Ward 32. Esau
Njereka an alleged serving member of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) who is a
candidate representing Zanu PF Ward 32 for the Councillor seat reportedly
intimidated people. Reports indicate that Njereka was moving around threatening
people with violence if they do not vote for Zanu PF in the upcoming elections. It is
alleged that he threatened to unleash violence in the community if Zanu PF loses the
2023 harmonized elections to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Section 67 of the Zimbabwean Constitution states that every Zimbabwean citizen has
the right to form, to join and to participate in the activities of a political party or
organisation of their choice, to participate, individually or collectively, in gatherings or
groups or in any other manner, in peaceful activities to influence, challenge or support
the policies of the Government or any political or whatever cause.
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