Even though no date has been announced, Zimbabwe is likely to hold a referendum to adopt a constitutional draft in the near future and general elections later.
CSOs thanked the SADC Troika on Peace, Defence and Security for its efforts towards ensuring the full implementation of the electoral road map and its dedication in resolving the constitutional reform gridlock in Zimbabwe.
In a recent statement, the CSOs noted a SADC Troika resolution on Zimbabwe which was made in Tanzania late last year that encouraged the inclusive government of Zimbabwe to implement necessary reforms before holding elections.
They also urged African statesmen to resolve crises in hotspots during the summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“We call upon African leaders…to find lasting solutions to conflicts in countries such as Mali, Sudan and Central Africa Republic. In the same breath we urge the AU to help resolve political crises in Madagascar, DRC, Sudan, Zimbabwe and elsewhere around the continent,”
reads part of the statement.
Parties in the inclusive government of Zimbabwe were given special commendation for finally resolving outstanding issues in the constitution making process.
Civil society took the opportunity to lambast the State for clamping down on CSO activities thus further shrinking democratic and electoral space.
“As CSOs, we have documented a well calculated and intensified long running assault on our freedoms and activities including those of human rights defenders, human rights lawyers and arts and media practitioners at the hands of both state and other non state actors.
The clampdown would be in the form of slander, intimidations, raids, arrests, prosecutions and persecution.
“We take such harassment which recently culminated in the arrest, prosecution and detention of Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
(ZimRights) Director Okay Machisa, who is also the Crises in Zimbabwe Coalition Chairperson, as meant to silence and scare organisations that have been advancing genuine people’s development,” declared the CSOs.
Machisa, who was on Tuesday granted $500 bail, is being charged together with Leo Chamahwinya also of Zimrights for making false representations regarding voter registration.
The CSOs made several resolutions, among them the speedy finalisation of the constitution making process, elimination of state sponsored violence and creation of a peaceful environment, disbanding of all violence related militia groups such as Chipangano and Al Shabab and an immediate cessation of raids and harassment of civil society organisations and other pro-democracy movements.
CSOs also recommended the immediate release of all political prisoners, the full implementation of electoral reforms which would pave way for the holding of a free and fair election in Zimbabwe and a peaceful transfer of state power to the winner.
The need for a non partisan security sector that prioritises security and safety of citizens and restricts itself to barracks was emphasised, so was transparency in the management of natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.
CSOs acknowledged that without support from neighbouring countries and Africa at large, Zimbabwe alone cannot resolve the current social, economic and political problems bedevilling it.
Post published in: News