By Wallace Mawire
headed the AU election observer mission to Ethiopia
The International Election Observer Missions present for the 30 July Harmonised Elections in Zimbabwe have said that while appreciating the generally peaceful and orderly pre-electoral environment and on the voting day, express their grave concern about the regrettable outbreaks of post-election violence.
“At the outset, we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of those affected by these troubling incidents” the missions said.
It added that while recognising the right to peaceful protest, they condemn vandalism and destruction of property and call on political party supporters to abide by the law.
“We denounce the excessive use of force to quell protests and urge the police and army to exercise restraint,” the missions added.
The missions also urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), to release the full and detailed results expeditiously, in a transparent and accountable manner saying that the election presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to break the cycle of electoral contentions and post-election violence.
“We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters, in particular the two main parties, ZANU-PF and the MDC Alliance, civil society, faith based organisations, and all other stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the political and electoral process” they added.
Also all stakeholders and citizens have been urged to pursue grievances peacefully and through the established legal channels.
“We encourage political leaders to show magnanimity in victory and graciousness in defeat,” the missions said .
The missions said, on 30 July, the people of Zimbabwe went to vote in high numbers, aspiring for a new beginning. They added that they stood in solidarity with them as they look up to their leaders, and all stakeholders to complete the process peacefully and credibly, and to ensure their votes truly count.
The joint statement was endorsed by His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn Boshe, Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM),His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, Head of the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission,His Excellency Tete Antonio, Secretary of State for External Relations of the Republic of Angola and Head of the SADC Election Observation Mission,Justice Dr Patrick Matibini, Head of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Election Observation Mission,Judge Semistocles Kaijage, Head of Mission, ECF – SADC,Ambassador Ashraf Rashed, Head of COMESA Election Observation Mission,Elmar Brok, Head of the European Union Election,Masa Janjusevic, Head of the Carter Centre Election Observation Mission and the Joint International Observation Delegation of IRI and ND.
