In a bold and unwavering stance, Nevers Mumba, the head of the SADC (Southern African Development Community) election observer mission, has firmly declared that Zimbabwe’s recent elections were severely flawed and failed to uphold the fundamental principles of democratic elections within the region. This declaration has ignited a furious response from Zimbabwe’s President-Elect, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his Zanu PF officials, who are vehemently contesting the rejection of the election outcome, widely characterized as a farcical sham and a charade.
The SADC principles governing democratic elections within member states are unequivocal in their expectations. Member states are required to:
- Ensure Scrupulous Implementation: Member states must take all necessary measures to meticulously implement these democratic election principles, leaving no room for compromise.
- Establish Impartial Electoral Bodies: National electoral bodies must be impartial, inclusive, competent, and accountable, staffed by qualified personnel to oversee the electoral process.
- Safeguard Civil Liberties: The protection of human and civil liberties, including freedom of movement, assembly, association, expression, campaigning, and access to the media for all stakeholders, is imperative during electoral processes.
- Provide Adequate Resources: Member states must allocate sufficient resources to conduct democratic elections, ensuring their smooth execution.
- Ensure Security: Adequate security measures must be in place to protect all parties participating in elections.
- Transparency and Integrity: Transparency and integrity must be maintained throughout the entire electoral process, with representatives of political parties and individual candidates stationed at polling and counting stations, and accreditation granted to national and international observers and monitors.
These principles serve as the foundation upon which SADC member states are expected to conduct their democratic elections. Some key elements include:
- Full Citizen Participation: Citizens should be afforded the opportunity to actively participate in the political process.
- Freedom of Association: Freedom to associate with political parties of their choice.
- Political Tolerance: Encouragement of tolerance towards differing political ideologies.
- Regular Elections: Adherence to regular election cycles as per national constitutions.
- Equal Media Access: Equitable access to state media for all political parties.
- Universal Suffrage: Ensuring equal opportunity for all to vote and be voted for.
- Independent Judiciary: An impartial judiciary and an unbiased electoral institution.
- Voter Education: Ensuring citizens are educated about their voting rights.
- Respect for Results: Acceptance and respect for election results deemed free and fair by competent national electoral authorities, in accordance with the law.
- Legal Challenges: The right to legally challenge election results in accordance with national laws.
Nevers Mumba’s steadfast stance reflects the critical importance of adhering to these principles to safeguard the democratic processes in the region. Zimbabwe’s recent elections, marred by irregularities and allegations of misconduct, have fallen short of these expectations.
President-Elect Emmerson Mnangagwa and his party’s officials may be irate at the rejection of the election outcome, but it is essential to recognize that the SADC principles exist to uphold the integrity and legitimacy of democratic elections. Any deviation from these principles undermines the trust and credibility of the electoral process, potentially leading to political unrest and instability.
The call for democratic elections is not merely a formality; it is a commitment to the principles that underpin the region’s democratic values. As the region navigates its democratic journey, it is crucial that member states adhere to these principles to ensure fair, transparent, and credible electoral processes, which ultimately benefit the citizens they serve. Nevers Mumba’s unwavering stance serves as a reminder that these principles are the cornerstone of a strong and legitimate democracy in Southern Africa.