By Ebi Kesiena
The European Union (EU) has insisted that Zimbabwe has a duty to comply with regional and international instruments on the holding of credible elections.
EU Election Observer Mission (EOM) deputy chief observer, Beata Martin-Rozumilowicz, speaking on behalf of chief observer, Fabio Massimo Castaldo, at a press conference in Harare over the weekend, said Zimbabwe is a signatory to the instruments.
Heritage Times HT recalls that the EU had stopped monitoring the country’s elections because of sour relations with the late Robert Mugabe’s administration, but has renewed its relationship with the country as it stated that it will be the first to send an observer team to Zimbabwe ahead of the 23 August elections.
“Our mandate is to assess all aspects of the electoral process and to analyse the extent to which these elections comply with international and regional standards for elections, as well as with Zimbabwean law”,” Rozumilowicz said.
According to Rozumilowicz, the standards are not imposed by the EU EOM but were signed by Zimbabwe as part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the democratic processes.
The EU stated that it has deployed 46 long-term observers that will be joined by 44 short-term observers, a delegation from the European Parliament and diplomats, accredited to Zimbabwe on election day.
Also, the EU EOM is expected to comprise over 150 observers from all 27 EU member states, plus Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
“We are here to deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the entire electoral process. We will not correct possible short-comings and we will not endorse the results or make any other statement about the quality of the process until respective stages are completed.
“Zimbabwe and its people can count on our commitment to work undeterred and professionally as promised. This election is for the Zimbabwean people.
“The EU is committed to accompanying the Zimbabwean people throughout the process.” he said.
About the EU Election Mission
The EU EOM is observing the elections for the second time since 2018.
The EU EOM will present a preliminary statement two days after the elections. EU observers will, however, remain in Zimbabwe after election day to observe also the post-election environment.
A final report with recommendations will be delivered about two months after the elections.
