SADC okays referendum

The SEOM, led by Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Kamillius Membe, was officially launched in Harare on 10 March.

Membe said the Mission deployed 12 teams of observers drawn from various sectors of SADC member states including Members of Parliament and civil society across the country’s ten provinces.

The total number of observers, he said, was 78.

Addressing journalists in the capital, Membe said SEOM noted that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had received finance for the referendum late, but, however, said this did not compromise the conduct of the referendum.

“On timeous availability of resources for preparation of the referendum, the Mission gathered that ZEC had received the bulk of their funding just before the referendum.

"However, the Mission observed that the funding challenge did not hamper the overall referendum,” he said.

Membe said SEOM observed that the pre-referendum phase was characterised “by a largely tolerant and peaceful civic atmosphere”.

“In general, ZEC, COPAC and other relevant stakeholders conducted their work in a transparent, orderly and professional manner without any hindrance.

“Furthermore, special arrangements were made for voters with special needs, such as priority queue for the elderly, expectant and/or nursing mothers and people with disabilities. The Mission observed the professional conduct of the polling staff,” said Membe.

He said that the vote counting process at polling stations was done procedurally.

“Furthermore, procedures for secure counting of votes were adhered to.

In addition, the Mission witnessed and followed closely the counting of votes together with the polling officers without any hindrance,” he said.

Membe however condemned cases of violence and intimidation that were reported in some parts of the country.

“The SEOM noted reports of isolated cases of intimidation and harassment in some areas and in particular in Mbare, Harare. The SEOM condemns these acts of violence and pledge to law enforcement agents to objectively deal with these matters as they arise,” he said.

He said the SEOM observed that polling materials and officers had to be airlifted to some voting centres due to the inaccessibility of the areas.

As part of its recommendations, the SEOM said that Zimbabwe should ensure that funds for polls are released well on time.

He said it was imperative for Zimbabwe to update the voters’ roll in time for elections and to make sure that adequate voter education takes place before polls are held.

“The Mission has come to the conclusion that although some of the concerns raised are pertinent, they are, nevertheless, not of such magnitude as to affect the credibility of the overall referendum,” said Membe.