Story by Wellington Makonese
THE European Union Observer Mission which is in the country to observe the August 23 general elections has pledged its commitment to adhere to set guidelines in observing democratic processes in sovereign nations.
After getting a formal invitation from the Government of Zimbabwe to observe electoral proceedings in the country before signing an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Mission is now on the ground, with more EU observers expected this weekend.
Deputy Chief Observer Beata Martin Rozumilowicz outlined the scope of the team’s duties during the election period.
“The deployment of this Mission is a strong sign of Zimbabwe and the EU’s commitment to supporting transparent election, we are here to achieve common goals with the people and institutions in Zimbabwe. A core team of 11 analysts arrived on the 8th of July 2023 to be joined by 46 short-term and 44 long-term observers. We will be looking at the media traditional and social, voting counting, tabulation of results etc, ” she said.
The team anticipates a free election emphasising that autonomous operations are guided by Zimbabwe and international observation standards.
“Our duty is to observe, not to monitor, there is a difference. Our mandate is to conduct an independent, impartial and comprehensive analysis of the entire Election process, before and after the Election Day in compliance with the national law and international and regional standards for democratic elections,” she added.
The 27-member EU bloc will deploy over 150 observers on Election Day including some from Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
The development has been described as confirmation of the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible plebiscite.
