Page 2
“Government Invites Foreign and Regional Observers
The government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade invited regional
and international observers to observe the 2023 harmonised elections. In July invitations were
sent to a number of international organisations, political parties, and foreign observer missions,
including those from the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, 15 Southern Africa
Development Community (SADC) nations, the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament,
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), African Caribbean Pacific group
of states (ACP), the European Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, and
numerous nations from Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Asia. The
invitation was extended to 51 embassies and 9 consulates accredited to Zimbabwe. However,
President Emmerson Mnangagwa cautioned foreign observer missions accredited to observe
the August 23, 2023, harmonised elections to stick to their mandate and avoid interfering with
"electoral processes", a move meant to limit their watchdog role in promoting democracy in
Zimbabwe. On 22 July President Mnangagwa in a speech to Zanu PF supporters and locals at
a rally held in Muzarabani South constituency in Centenary, warned observer missions to focus
on their duties or risk being embarrassed. The President alleged that there were some foreign
observer missions who wished that violence would rule the elections.
Political and Gender dynamics
In the past, ZPP has recorded incidents of political violence in Chitungwiza involving members
of Zanu PF and MDC-Alliance then led by Advocate Chamisa which is now identified as the
Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC). The coming on board of other political players from other
political parties brings in another political dynamic. The ruling party is currently using the
intimidation of opposition candidates to deter aspiring candidates from running for political,
office. “They anticipate violence but let me reassure them that we oppose such inappropriate
behaviour. We are a caring people that value peace and work to foster it. We will humiliate
anyone who wishes for violence” Mnangagwa declared. In a similar incident in June, President
Emmerson Mnangagwa charged at Western countries accusing them of attempting to interfere
in Zimbabwe's electoral processes. He said this during an engagement meeting with artisanal
miners. In his speech, Mnangagwa fumed at people who undermine the democracy that the
nation enjoys, saying “Musoro wambuya wako”. (loosely meaning your grandmother’s head) This
is an age old insult which has also been feminised.
In response to aninvitation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of
Zimbabwe, the European Union sent an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the
harmonized elections on August 23, 2023 led by Mr. Fabio Castaldo as head of mission. The
EU deployed 46 long-term election observers to Zimbabwe's 10 administrative provinces to
commence operations. The mission's core group of 11 experts arrived in Zimbabwe on July 8 and
were set to be joined by the long-term observers. The mission representatives highlighted the
EU’s commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law as demonstrated by the
deployment of an election observation mission to the general elections in Zimbabwe.
Furthermore the Chief Observer, Mr. Castaldo stated “Democracy requires more than elections,
but a country cannot be a democracy without holding genuine elections”.