SADC Electoral Observer Mission in Zimbabwe

The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security will deploy an observer mission to Zimbabwe’s next week general election.

This was announced by the Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ, Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia. There are tensions in Zimbabwe as the neighbouring country prepares for the elections slated for August 23rd 2023.

Hichilema stated that in line with the Southern African Development Community's Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, SADC through its Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security will deploy an Election Observer Mission (SEOM) to the Republic of Zimbabwe from August 17th to August 31st, 2023.

“In our capacity as the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security, during Zimbabwe's election on August 23rd, 2023, we are pleased to announce the nomination of former Vice President Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba as the Head of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Zimbabwe,” Hichilema said.

He explained during a virtual media briefing that the SEOM will coincide with the upcoming SADC Summit to be held in Angola this week Thursday (17th August 2023), where “we assume Chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.”

He revealed that this appointment of Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba showcases the confidence of the Zambian people, reflecting his extensive experience in various senior roles he has held in the past.

“We remain optimistic and eagerly anticipate a peaceful and democratic electoral process before, during, and after the elections in Zimbabwe,” he added.

Last week Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CIZC) stated that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has failed to produce a credible voters’ roll on time.

CIZC Spokesperson Obert Masaraure said the commission continues to duck recommendations including from SADC and the AU to subject the voters roll to an independent audit.

He stated that already, many irregularities have been unearthed with this voters’ roll giving every reason to believe that it is definitely going to be another tool in the manipulation of elections.

Masaraure told the media in Gaborone that the election billed for August 23rd 2023 will be conducted on the back of a flawed delimitation, which failed the constitutional test, again, a result of the incompetence and negligence of ZEC.

He said all pointers are that the delimitation process was an exercise in gerrymandering, with ZEC a willing accomplice of ZANU PF, the instigator and beneficiary.

Tensions in Zimbabwe escalated after former cabinet member Saviour Kasukuwere was barred from contesting for the country’s presidential seat. Kasukuwere challenged SADC to keep a close eye on Zimbabwe elections.

Kasukuwere wrote to the SADC Troika Organ on Politics Defence and Security to look at the political climate and electoral processes in Zimbabwe ahead of the country’s August 23rd 2023 elections.

The move came after the High Court and Supreme Court in Zimbabwe barred him through court rulings from running for the presidency of the country.