Nkosentsha Khumalo
Recent reports of alleged food-for-votes schemes and other partisan distribution of humanitarian aid and public services by the Zanu Pf government in Zimbabwe have caught the attention of the United States Embassy, sparking concerns over the integrity of the country’s democracy
As the country attempts to move forward following the 2023 general elections, the United States Embassy has called on the Zanu Pf government to commit to a level playing field, apply laws to all candidates and parties equally, and guarantee that public media provides nationwide equal non-partisan airtime for all candidates during election periods.
With reports of questionable election practices and political manipulation in the past, Zimbabwe finds itself at crossroads where the need for democratic integrity and the rule of law must be prioritized.
While Zanu Pf government officials have denied any wrongdoing and accused the US Embassy of meddling in Zimbabwean affairs, civil society organizations and political analysts have expressed concerns over the potential long-term impact of these actions on the country’s stability.
The electoral landscape of the country has always been complicated by allegations of vote buying through Zanu-Pf’s charitable donations of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, and even fishing boats to fish farmers in Binga.
These reports, circulating among the populace, raise questions about the fairness of the electoral process, potentially undermining the democratic foundation of the country.
Thomas Hastings, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy, has emphasized the crucial role of holding free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, in accordance with international standards set forth in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA).
Hastings’ statement comes amidst growing concerns over reports of alleged partisan distribution of humanitarian assistance and other public services by the ruling Zanu Pf government in exchange for votes, which could undermine the democratic process.
“In order to achieve a free and fair election, we urge the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to release an auditable electronic voters roll well in advance of the election period, allowing citizens to help strengthen the credibility of the voters roll and reduce instances of potential voters being turned away from polling stations,” said Hastings.
“Furthermore, the government of Zimbabwe must commit to providing a level playing field for all candidates and parties, ensuring equal non-partisan airtime for all candidates on public media during the election period.”
Hastings further urged the ruling Zanu-Pf government to continue improving the democratic process in Zimbabwe, long after the 2023 general elections.
He noted that lessons learned from civil society during the previous election period must be integrated to ensure peaceful and credible future elections that adhere to international standards.
William T.Marera from the Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement however argued that removal of sanctions will help achieve an equal playing field for free and fair elections.
“In order to establish an equal playing field for free and fair elections, the United States must remove all sanctions currently in place against Zimbabwe.
“As long as these sanctions remain in effect, the electoral process will be unfairly skewed in favour of the opposition parties,” asserted Marera.
Members of the Freedom of Rights Under Sovereign (FORUS) party have made a compelling case for an all-party dialogue between Harare and Washington, recommending that a conference be convened prior to elections.
The party believes that the suggested conference should serve as an open platform for all parties involved to discuss and propose measures, with the US presenting their recommendations alongside those from participating parties, thereby fostering a collaborative approach to strengthening the democratic process.
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