Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
THE SADC Electoral Advisory Council has concluded its pre-election assessment mission in Zimbabwe, describing it as a huge success characterised by overwhelming input from various stakeholders.
Under the SADC Principles and Guidelines, the bloc’s Electoral Advisory Council is mandated to embark on a pre-election assessment in a member state that is set to conduct elections.
Having concluded such a mission, which started last week in Zimbabwe, the council led by Justice Ticheme Dlamini from Eswatini briefed journalists at a local hotel in Harare this Thursday, describing it as a huge success.
“The mission was successful, we achieved the target objectives and we are grateful to election stakeholders for their input,” said Justice Dlamini.
The council held meetings with all election stakeholders and a report will be compiled later on the views regarding the obtaining political environment.
“The SEAC mission has held consultative meetings with a range of stakeholders in Zimbabwe. These included government departments, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, political parties (including the opposition and the ruling party), civil society organisations, traditional leaders, media houses and media organisations, SADC Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, and the leadership of the United Nations and the European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe,” added Justice Dlamini.
Zimbabwe is set to hold general elections in July or August this year.
