ZEC ratings soar after spectacular by-election showing
Hosia Mviringi
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission passed its March 26 credibility test with flying colours, as stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the poll was handled.
In a post election Observer Mission Report, the Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) declared the just-ended by-elections as “credible, free and fair” and a true reflection of the will of the people.
The forum said that the by-elections cemented ZEC’s position as a credible and reliable elections management body in the country whose processes and systems have proved to be beyond reproach.
“There were incidences of violence in the pre-election period, a peaceful Election Day, and undisputed election results, all pointing to a consensus and a general acceptance of results and the processes leading thereto,” the forum said in an address to the media.
They however raised concern over the manner in which the numbers were low during the polling process.
“There was serious voter apathy as evidenced by the low number of voters at polling stations, pointing to a critical need for massive voter education by all stakeholders going forward. This mission however considers this election to have passed the credibility test. Therefore, the CSCJF Observer Mission declares the March 26, 2022 elections credible, free and fair,” said the Mission.
The latest endorsement of the by-elections come hot on the heels of the similar endorsement by the ruling ZANU PF which recently voiced its satisfaction with the manner in which the elections were conducted even though it lost a majority of contested seats to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
The CSCJF report is further corroborated by the reluctance or lack of resolve by concerned political parties in challenging the poll results, which has been interpreted as general satisfaction with outcomes.
In stark contrast to the 2018 harmonised elections which saw an eruption of violent protests barely 24 hours after the close of vote casting, and a protracted Court challenge which spilt into the Constitutional Court, this year’s by-elections have been characterised by a calm and peaceful aftermath.
The CSCJF is one a few Observer Missions who have produced a detailed report which is pregnant with evidence of real work having been done on the ground.
“ZEC officials were observed as polite and attentive to voters, observers alike at all polling stations visited. They were receptive to election observers and they had a systematic way of serving all stakeholders. The environment was very conducive for free and secret casting of ballots by voters,” the Forum added.
The Forum however noted with concern incidences of deliberate misinformation and disinformation by the media which to a larger extent contributed to voter apathy.
Ms. Abigaile Mupambi who is the Forum’s national coordinator chastised political parties who are in the habit of attacking state institutions such as ZEC in the run up to elections saying such behaviour erodes confidence in such institutions and thus inadvertently contributes to voter apathy.
A total of 28 National Assembly and 105 Local Authority seats were up for grabs as a result of recalls and natural death of incumbents.
Of the 21 National Assembly seats which were previously held by the opposition MDC Alliance/CCC party, ZANU PF managed to snatch two seats, to bring their tally to 147.
The ruling party also took 12 Local government seats from the opposition while the CCC retained the majority of its seats.
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