President of Xiluva, Bongani Baloyi has once again called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure that the upcoming Zimbabwean elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23.
In a statement issued on Monday, Baloyi said it is essential that the elections be conducted without interference or manipulation, and that all eligible voters be given the opportunity to participate.
Baloyi’s call comes amid allegations that Zimbabwean authorities have failed to take the necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections.
In a report released on 3 August 2023, Human Rights Watch warned that the “inability of many candidates to campaign freely and openly throughout Zimbabwe raises serious concerns about whether the election results will reflect the political will of Zimbabwe’s people.”
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union (AU) member states should press the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that national and international electoral observers will have access to all election sites, Human Rights Watch said, adding that: “Election observers must remain in Zimbabwe for a sufficient period beyond the vote count to monitor possible post-election related human rights violations.”
Against this backdrop, the leader of Xiluva noted several claims that the process leading up to elections has been marred by unscrupulous laws, the banning of opposition party activities, violence, and opposition politicians being held in detention.
“The importance of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe cannot be overstated. This will also promote accountability and contribute to the long-term development of that country.
“The outcome of these elections can have far-reaching implications both domestically and internationally,” Baloyi underscored.
