The Zimbabwe International Election Observation Mission (ZIEOM) has disturbing remarks that public trust in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission remains low due to the failure to open up democratic space.
Addressing journalists at the end of their five day visit to Zimbabwe, International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) delegation led by former US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Johnie Carson called on ZEC to be transparent and publicize its current and future plans. The mission also urged the electoral body to work on building greater public confidence in the manner they conduct elections.
“The delegation expresses deep concern over the continued inadequacies in ZEC’s communication and public outreach efforts and recommends that the ZEC urgently adopt and implement an open and pro-active communications strategy,” noted the delegation.
The delegation also raised concern over the unlawful involvement of traditional leaders in political affairs against the dictates of the constitution.
“The conduct of some traditional leaders in by-elections, their perceived alignment with the incumbent political party, and impunity from the law, created an uneven playing ground in the 2018 harmonized elections and the delegation continues to hear concerns regarding their undue influence on ordinary citizens.”
The trio further appealed to all political parties to rise above partisan interests and put the people of Zimbabwe first in order for the country to more effectively address the serious current economic challenges that its facing.
