Independent election watchdog the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has endorsed the recently held by-elections in Mberengwa and Nyanga as credible.
The verdict flies in the face of main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) claims that the outcome was not a reflection of the people’s will due to violence and intimidation.
Over the weekend, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) conducted by elections in Mberengwa and Nyanga to fill the vacant seats. Opposition party CCC fared dismally as they were walloped in the two elections by ZANU PF.
In the aftermath of elections, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere alleged violence and intimidation of voters in the build-up to polling day.
“We’ve consistently said that each by-election is a dry run for 2023. We’re keenly aware of the assisted voting, political violence, banning of CCC meetings and voter intimidation that took place in Mberengwa and Nyanga,” she claimed on Twitter.
However, ZESN ruled the Mberengwa and Nyanga by-elections free and fair without any irregularities, casting doubts on the claims by CCC.
“Campaigns for the by-elections were mostly political rallies, door-to-door as well as the distribution of flyers and posters. There were no incidents of violence or intimidation that were reported in both wards. The polling day political environment was generally peaceful with no instances of political tensions and violence being reported.
“Both ZANU PF and CCC deployed party agents to track the polling process at all the polling stations ZESN observed and visited by the roving team. ZESN commends the two political parties for the comprehensive deployment of party agents to monitor the voting process on polling day. This affords them an opportunity for first hand observation of the process, enabling them to authoritatively comment on all processes,” said ZESN in a statement. – NewZimbabwe
