Political Correspondent
The Southern Africa Human Rights Lawyers (SAHRL) has reported that approximately 296,519 Zimbabweans allegedly voted illegally in the recent Mozambican national elections.
This claim has prompted calls for a rerun of the elections, as the figure represents a significant portion of the total voter turnout in a country with a population exceeding 34 million.
Claims of Electoral Interference
According to SAHRL’s executive report titled “Zimbabwe’s Interference With the 2024 Mozambique Harmonised Elections,” the Zimbabwean government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling party Zanu PF, is accused of mobilizing these voters to support the ruling Frelimo Party. The report outlines various alleged electoral malpractices, including:
- Deprivation of ballot papers in opposition strongholds.
- Ballot stuffing in certain areas.
- Barring observers from monitoring the elections.
The report names several senior Zanu PF officials, including Cabinet Ministers, as coordinators of this alleged electoral interference.
Specific Voting Locations
Investigations revealed that a significant number of Zanu PF supporters voted in various locations, including:
- 53,122 in Duma, Bikita
- 36,872 in Murehwa
- 41,213 at Maud Muzenda Training Center in Masvingo
- 76,519 in Mutare/Rusape
- 69,019 across Harare
- 19,774 in Chegutu
Responses from Zanu PF
In response to these allegations, Zanu PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa stated that the individuals who voted were Mozambicans with dual citizenship, asserting their right to participate in the elections. He dismissed the claims as exaggerated and unfounded.
Zanu PF Secretary for National Administration Dr. Obert Mpofu also refuted the allegations, suggesting that accusations of interference in regional elections were attempts to tarnish the party’s reputation. He pointed out that there have been complaints from other countries, including Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia, regarding Zanu PF’s involvement in their electoral processes.
Despite the refusal by the two Senior Zanu-PF officials, social media is awash with images of Zanu-PF members in Botswana campaigning for the then ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), with Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu-PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs declaring support for the BDP.
The BDP went on to dismally lose the elections.
This situation highlights ongoing concerns about electoral integrity and the influence of Zimbabwean politics on neighboring countries.
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