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Political parties and all candidates in the 23 August 2023 elections are not allowed to campaign after 11.59 PM on 21 August.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said campaigning ended at the stroke of midnight on 22 August. It said:
<blockquote>
The last day of campaigns is the 21st of August 2023 at 11.59 PM.
</blockquote>
Main opposition candidate, CCC leader Nelson Chamisa held his final rally before the polls at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare on Monday.
The event was attended by officials from SADC, COMESA, and EU observer missions, diplomats, and former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano.
ZEC will open polling stations from 7 AM to 7 PM for voters to cast their ballots tomorrow, 23 August 2023.
Registered voters should carry a national identity card (ID), metal or plastic, or carry a waiting pass with an original photograph, or a valid passport, to be allowed to vote.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Election Campaigns No Longer Permitted

The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Zimbabwe will deploy its members countrywide on Friday ahead of general elections to be held on 23 August.
In a statement released on 11 August, SEOM said the SADC Secretariat team has been in the country since 10 August. It said:
<blockquote>
the SADC Secretariat team arrived in Harare on 10 August 2023 to prepare logistics for the launch of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, and its concomitant full deployment on 18 August 2023.
The SEOM will be deployed to all ten (10) Provinces of Zimbabwe to observe the pre- and post-election 
phases and the polling day.
Before the Launch, the Head of Mission (HoM), the Republic of Zambia (the Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs) for SEOM Zimbabwe shall undertake a Courtesy Call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The HoM will also conduct meetings with the leadership of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as well as the SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners Accredited to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
It has invited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Zimbabwe Republic Police, Attorney General, political parties, voters and citizens, traditional leaders, faith-based groups, civil society, members of the media, Diplomatic Missions/Corps, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe, other International Cooperating Partners, and the Heads of Delegations of International Electoral Observation Missions, to attend the Launch of SEOM Zimbabwe at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.
SEOM’s mandate is guided by the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Mission will assess the conduct of the elections against a set of central principles stipulated in the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of (2021) which include, amongst full participation of the citizens in the democratic and development processes, measures to prevent political violence, intimidation and intolerance, equal opportunity for all political parties to access the State Media as well as access to information by all citizens, and acceptance of and respect for the election results by all political parties.
</blockquote>
SEOM will join various other observer groups, such as the Carter Centre and the African Union-COMESA teams, already stationed in the country’s 10 provinces.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC To Deploy Election Observers To Zimbabwe On 18 August

Member of Parliament for Matabeleland North, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Ruth_Labode">Ruth Labode</a>, has said COVID-19 cases are on the rise and the Minister of Health Child Care must declare that people start wearing masks again.
Labode, who is a medical doctor and also chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care, raised a point of order in the National Assembly on Tuesday, 13 June demanding that wearing masks should be made mandatory to curb new COVID-19 infections. She said, as quoted by <a href="https://insiderzim.com/covid-is-back-in-zimbabwe-it-does-not-want-elections/">The Insider</a>:
<blockquote>
On a point of order. I am really sorry I have to say this. I was at Mpilo Hospital yesterday and I noticed in Bulawayo a lot of people were wearing masks and I asked.
They said, “Doctor can you go to Mpilo?” I went to Mpilo and a doctor took me to an isolation centre that was supposed to be for cardiac diseases and it has been converted to isolate children with COVID.
When a child who is 3 years has COVID, how many people have been infected who were looking after that child?
He then said to me even pregnant mothers, because COVID is on the increase. If you do not trigger an alarm now, you will go to elections under lockdown.
The Minister must declare now that start wearing masks because COVID is back. For sure COVID is back and it does not want elections.
</blockquote>
The Government recently officially lifted the mandatory wearing of masks and the requirement for tourists to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates and negative PCR tests at the country’s points of entry.
Through Statutory Instrument 102 of 2023, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Constantino Chiwenga directed the scrapping of the mandatory wearing of masks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

COVID-19 Is Back, It Does Not Want Elections - MP Labode

Zimbabwe on Tuesday called on the United States Embassy to refrain from interfering in its electoral processes after the latter posted several election-related messages on Twitter on 26 May.
The Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Rofina Chikava met with the Chargé d’affaires for the US Embassy, Elaine French, to voice Zimbabwe’s disapproval of the United States’s interference.
Following the meeting, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Livit Mugejo released the statement below:
<blockquote>
Today, the 30th of May 2023 at 1430 hrs, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Rofina Chikava met with the Chargé D’Affaires for the US Embassy in Harare, Ms Elaine French.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade summoned the Chargé D’Affaires after the US Embassy issued several election-related social media posts via Twitter on 26 May 2023.
The most notable post was captioned: “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard,” among other tweets which had been made a few days before.
During the meeting with Ms Elaine French, Ambassador Chikava underscored Government’s commitment towards holding a peaceful, free and fair election, in line with His Excellency (H.E), President E.D Mnangagwa’s clarion call.
Ambassador Chikava took the opportunity to highlight Zimbabwe’s preparations for the Harmonised Elections.
These include voter registration and education, delimitation of constituencies and wards and the ongoing inspection of the voters’ roll, in line with the country’s constitution.
Despite Zimbabwe’s strong commitment towards holding a peaceful, free and fair election, Ambassador Chikava, however, expressed concern over the Mission’s election related-social media posts, bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.
Ambassador Chikava said the conduct by the US Embassy was unacceptable as it deviated from conventional diplomatic norms and values enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
The Ministry also called on the US Embassy to refrain from posting such messages in the spirit of re-engagement between our two countries.
In her response, the US Charge D’Affaires Ms Elaine French acknowledged Government’s concerns and reiterated her Mission’s commitment to improve its communication in line with expected diplomatic conduct.
She further expressed optimism in the continued collaboration between Zimbabwe and the US.
Zimbabwe views the U.S.A as an important co-operating partner in its development goals, in line with the Engagement and Re-Engagement policy.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Summons US Embassy Official Over "Register To Vote" Tweets

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allegedly delaying to proclaim the date of the elections saying this makes it difficult for players to prepare for the polls.
Section 38 of the Electoral Act empowers the President to proclaim the date for general elections after consultation with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The elections should be held in August this year but Mnangagwa is yet to proclaim the date for the harmonised elections.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/interview-chamisa-slams-mnangagwas-silence-on-elections-date-proclamation/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Chamisa it is unacceptable that Mnangagwa is the only one who knows the date. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>
It is unfair for one player to also be a referee, a match commissioner and to be the regulatory authority.
It is wrong especially when everyone is put in suspense thereby making planning almost impossible.
National affairs and people’s lives cannot be run on an ad hoc basis upon guesswork and conjecture.
All stakeholders have to plan ahead of time. Right now Kenyan citizens know the exact date when the elections due in 2027 are going to be held.
That is good governance. Not this unilateralism where a date is used as an unfair advantage over competitors.
Others may not be able to fully plan. A date cannot be determined by one person. The fate of a nation can’t fit in one’s pocket.
Mr. Mnangagwa is saying he is the only one who knows the date. This is unacceptable.
</blockquote>
Last month Mnangagwa revealed that he will announce the election date towards the end of May but is yet to honour his promise. Added Chamisa:
<blockquote>
Everyone is in the dark, except for Mr. Mnangagwa and possibly his colleagues in ZANU PF.
That is not a desirable framework. It is not conducive to the holding of a proper and credible process.
That must definitely change and the law must change on that. There is a need to make sure that there is greater predictability. More certainty in terms of these criticals.
The dates are supposed to be by virtue of the Constitution and the predictability of the date is what we are emphasising.
We need to make sure that we deal with these issues as an immediate national issue and an issue of consideration.
</blockquote>
An American credit rating agency, Fitch Solutions, recently predicted that Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU PF will likely win in general elections.
In its new report, Fitch Solutions said the opposition CCC led by Nelson Chamisa will win key votes in low-income urban areas but ZANU PF will win the overall vote due to “overarching resources” and the advantage of incumbency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa's Silence On Elections Date Proclamation Unacceptable - Chamisa

The Government says it will deregister non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that deviate from their mandate.
This was said by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke in the Senate last week.
He was responding to ZANU PF Mashonaland Central Senator Alice Chimbudzi who had asked him how the Government is dealing with NGOs that interfere with the country’s electoral processes. Said Matuke:
<blockquote>
Matters to do with NGOs and how they work when we are looking at elections, I believe that you are aware that we had an exercise prior, where a lot of NGOs were no longer operating according to their mandate. We had that problem.
The registration would say something different from what is obtaining on the ground and being done by the NGOs.
We saw that they had deviated from their mandates and most of these NGOs failed when it came to re-registration.
Those who would have deviated from their mandate we are looking for them.
If there are NGOs who are going against their mandate, kindly let us know so that we cancel their licences.
</blockquote>
Early this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he will sign the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill (PVO), which critics argue may serve as the basis for restricting the operation of many NGOs.
In July last year, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/10/proposed-ngo-law-seeks-to-flush-out-dirty-money-says-ed/">Mnangagwa argued that the Bill is meant to flush out dirty money</a> and stop non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that seek to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Threatens To Deregister NGOs That Interfere With Electoral Processes

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has said political elites cannot delay the 2023 general elections.
Mahere also said CCC is opposed to the idea of postponing elections to form a Government of National Unity (GNU).
She was quoted by <a href="https://tellzim.com/ccc-laughs-off-gnu-election-postponement/">TellZim News</a> as saying elections when done properly, are a true expression of the will of the people. Mahere said:
<blockquote>
The constitutional requirement that elections be held every five years can’t be suspended by political elites who have no support from the citizens and are afraid of electoral loss.
ZANU PF and its proxies are terrified of how much support they have lost and are seeking to use whatever hare-brained plan they can think of to try and stop the process.
We call upon citizens to continue to demand adherence to the Constitution. Elections are like Christmas, you can’t postpone them as they will come whether or not you have new clothes.
Elections are a Constitutional non-negotiable. Citizens must be at the centre of all national processes.
We reject the notion of elite pacts or a Government of National Unity or whatever basis put forward.
Done properly, elections are a true expression of the will of the people and a total necessity in a democracy.
</blockquote>
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora recently challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation report.
Some commentators have suggested that the court challenge may lead to the deferment of the elections, which may lead to a GNU as the country prepares for another election.
In his court application, Mwonzora argued that the final delimitation report did not take into account the final results of the population census among other issues.
He argued that such issues will affect the credibility of the elections and thus his application seeks to ensure credible elections are held using a credible delimitation report.
Mwonzora goes on to say that in the event that elections are held with the report in question, the results can be easily challenged before a court of law and be invalidated.
A political analyst, Alexander Rusero dismissed claims that Mwonzora’s court challenge is a tactic by ZANU PF to postpone the general elections.
Since Mwonzora controversially took control of the MDC in 2020, critics claim he has been working with the ruling ZANU PF party to derail the “democratic project”. Said Rusero:
<blockquote>
I think people have to understand why Mwonzora had taken the case to the court beyond the conspiracy theories doing circles that he is Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy intending to delay elections, that is a misleading statement and fallacy which is very costly to the opposition because ZANU PF wants those elections, they are not afraid and are prepared regardless of all such claims doing rounds in the misguided opposition rank and file.
Politics is the ability to determine outcomes and Mwonzora might be politically irrelevant in as much as the gravitas on the grassroots on the ground is concerned but you cannot take away his legal talents and prowess as he is one of the best lawyers produced in Zimbabwe since 1980.
So I am very sure he picked certain loopholes in the whole delimitation exercise that warrants court attention and that is why the case was given the green light that it warrants a hearing by the full bench.
There is really nothing to take away from that since it is not the first time a case has been granted such kind of attention by the courts.
Suppose Mwonzora wins that does not have a bearing on issues politically or at law to do with the proclamation of election dates or some possibilities of delaying an election.
The whole idea is, should he win because the case has been positively perceived to have some merits, ZEC can be directed to do certain things right and not necessarily to delay or stop the process of elections.
Elections are conducted when they are constitutionally due and not when a country is ready or ZEC has exposed certain incompetences or not political parties are ready. Elections are done within the prescribed time frame.
</blockquote>
Rusero argued that the way ZANU PF has been campaigning does not indicate that the ruling party is considering the possibility of delaying elections.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Elections Are Like Christmas, You Can’t Postpone Them - Mahere

The SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) has refuted reports by Zimbabwe State media that it said the country is ready for elections.
DRC Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Mipwele Michel and Namibia Charge D’ Affairs in Zimbabwe Zemha Gawahas were quoted as saying Zimbabwe is ready to hold elections.
SEAC is currently conducting consultations with stakeholders in Zimbabwe ahead of the general elections scheduled for later this year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, SEAC said it is yet to make a formal announcement on the readiness or otherwise of Zimbabwe to conduct the elections. SEAC said:
<blockquote>
It is important to note that contrary to some press reports, the SEAC has not yet made a formal announcement on the readiness or otherwise of Zimbabwe to conduct the elections.
This recommendation will be made to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation in the formal report to be submitted by SEAC at the conclusion of the mission. The SEAC mission will conclude on 20th April 2023.
</blockquote>
SEAC said its mission is to assess if the political and security environments in the country are conducive for the holding of free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful elections in conformity with the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines.
The Mission will also assess the Legal Framework governing the 2023 General Elections in Zimbabwe and also assess if the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is prepared and ready to conduct the 2023 General Elections.
The SEAC pre-election goodwill mission is being led by Judge Ticheme Dlamini, the Chairperson of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) and the SEAC Member from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and by Advocate Notemba Tjipueja, the Deputy Chairperson of SEAC and the SEAC Member from the Republic of Namibia.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC Yet To State Its Position On Zimbabwe's Readiness To Hold Elections

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) has suggested that the country should go for a referendum for the electorate to decide whether to go ahead with the 2023 general elections or postpone them.
Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold general elections this year between 26 July and 26 August.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe makes it clear that elections should be conducted every five years, and the term of office of elected government officers is strictly five years.
Mliswa claimed that Zimbabweans are tired of elections as they have failed to bring about substantial socio-economic change. He said:
<blockquote>
The prevailing issue which has resulted in Mwonzora going to court is the culpability of all those who failed to play their role and only came to life after ZEC delivered the final report.
However, going forward, as I have already said in an interview with Guthrie Munyuki, a referendum could be a good idea at this moment.
The country needs a referendum to hear what the people say about the whole election debate and implement that.
People are tired of elections &amp; they have failed to bring about any substantial socio-economic change.
Instead of acknowledging this reality, there has been a lot of posturing by politicians across the board. There is always the mirage that the next election is it!
The opposition can’t campaign openly; the voter’s roll isn’t available and it’s clear from the outset that whatever results will come out will be contentious and won’t advance the country one step.
The reforms which the opposition has been clamouring for have not been realized!
The ingredients for another contentious electoral season are there and yet we are plowing full-steam ahead as if things have changed. They haven’t.
It’s just that in the frenetic excitement of polls, many lose their marbles and only awake after.
</blockquote>
In 2019, the Zimbabwe Heads Of Christian Denominations called for the suspension of elections for seven years.
Some opposition parties have also called for the postponement of the polls but the country’s main opposition political party, CCC, wants polls to go ahead, despite having its many rallies banned or disrupted.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Are Tired Of Elections, Says Temba Mliswa

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has warned that suspending the 2023 general elections which should be held no later than 26 August 2023 will be a major threat to Zimbabwe’s democracy.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, ERC said they have noted increased calls by certain electoral stakeholders calling for the suspension of the 2023 harmonised elections.
ERC said the Constitution of Zimbabwe makes it clear that elections should be conducted every five years, and the term of office of elected government officers is strictly five years. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The ERC notes this statement in light of increased calls by certain electoral stakeholders calling for the suspension of the 2023 Harmonised Elections. Elections are central to Zimbabwe’s democracy.
Through elections, the fundamental right of every citizen to political participation is realised and elections guarantee the philosophical-political principle of democracy (people’s power).
Suspending elections would be a clear violation of the rights of Zimbabweans to participate in the democratic process and would be a step away from democratic accountability and has the potential to lead to political instability.
Suspending elections denotes a move away from the hard deadline spelled out in the Constitution where the terms of office of elected officials end on 26 August 2023. This is a threat to Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy.
Should the elections get suspended, this could lead Zimbabwe to legal lacuna as there is no extension provision regarding terms of office.
Additionally, the ERC would like to reiterate and make it clear that the Constitution is explicit and peremptory in that, where the delimitation report is not completed six months before an election, or where it is deemed unconstitutional, the old boundaries ought to apply for that election and does not envision a suspension of elections.
The constitution makes it clear that power should be acquired only through a periodic election conducted every five years, and the term of office of elected government officers is strictly five years.
There is no legal basis that will allow the current government to legitimately remain in power post-26 August 2023, therefore any proposed suspension of the 2023 Harmonised Elections poses a threat to Zimbabwe’s democracy.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Suspending The 2023 Elections A Threat To Zimbabwe's Democracy - ERC

Self-exiled musician Thomas Mapfumo reportedly said Zimbabweans cannot change the government through elections but should resort to peaceful protests to change the current political status quo.
Mapfumo said President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power in an unconstitutional manner and therefore will never surrender power through elections. <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/standard-style/article/200008986/forget-about-elections-says-mukanya">The Standard</a> quoted Mapfumo as saying:
<blockquote>
Zimbabweans must understand who they are really dealing with, [President Emmerson] Mnangagwa took over power from (Robert) Mugabe in an unconstitutional manner and he will never let go of that power simply through a ballot box.
People in Zimbabwe must wake up and smell the coffee, forget about elections, and go out in the streets.
We have seen this happen in other countries such as Egypt and that’s the only way you can remove this leadership, which has dragged the country into poverty.
</blockquote>
Mapfumo accused the ZANU PF government led by the late former President Robert Mugabe of corruption, adding that Mnangagwa’s administration is perpetuating graft. He said:
<blockquote>
US$15 billion just disappeared during the Mugabe era, no one was held accountable for that money.
Imagine what that money was going to do to the health care, education, food security and jobs in the country but we have a few people enjoying such a big loot with their families.
Mnangagwa is doing the same, he is looting the country with his family and few friends whilst Zimbabweans are dying because there is no health care and no food on the table.
Something must be done to remove this oppressive government and that can only be through going out into the streets and defending your right.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is set to hold general elections in July or August this year.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thomas Mapfumo Says Protests, And Not Elections, Will Remove ZANU PF From Power

The opposition People’s Unity Party (PUP) says the general elections scheduled for 2023 should be delayed while the government works with the opposition to address the socio-economic challenges currently bedevilling the country.
Addressing party members in Makoni at Sharara recently, PUP leader Hebert Chamuka said elections have in the past been rigged in ZANU PF’s favour, and holding them next year will not change anything. Said Chamuka:
<blockquote>
Elections have not solved the crisis in Zimbabwe since the turn of the century, we have had disputed elections and ZANU PF has continued to rule against the will of the people.
The ruling party is divorced from the mass, which is why they have failed to turn the misfortunes of the country around.
The people want change and ZANU PF has done little to nothing to provide citizens with decent jobs and dignified lives.
… The economy is in slumps and everything that ZANU PF promised has not been delivered.
This just shows that elections are a mere ritual for ZANU PF to remain in power.
</blockquote>
Chamuka also claimed that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is too compromised to deliver a credible election. He said:
<blockquote>
ZEC is yet to prove that its an independent entity and its likely that the outcome of the election will be a disputed one.
You have relatives of the ruling party as members of ZEC. Do you think Kembo Mohadi’s daughter will allow her father or her relatives ZANU PF to lose?
What chance will the opposition have in such a scenario?
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/opposition-calls-for-postponement-of-2023-presidential-elections-says-voting-does-not-bring-a-change-in-zimbabwe/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Zim Opposition Party Calls For Postponement Of 2023 Elections

European Union (EU) human rights envoy Eamon Gilmore has met ZANU PF and CCC party leaders where he urged them to work for a peaceful environment ahead of the 2023 general elections.
EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann on Thursday said Gilmore had met ZANU PF’s finance secretary Patrick Chinamasa and CCC leader Nelson Chamisa. He tweeted:
<blockquote>
EU special representative for human rights Eamon Gilmore met with the two main political parties, CCC and ZANU PF.
He recalled the importance of credible and peaceful 2023 elections and encouraged everyone to keep respectful and non-violent rhetoric.
</blockquote>
Gilmore is Ireland’s former Deputy Prime Minister, and former Foreign Affairs and Trade minister (2011- 14).
Since 2015, he has been the EU special envoy for the peace process in Colombia.
The EU recently pledged US$5.9 million to support the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to conduct a fair and credible election next year. Kirchmann said:
<blockquote>
A credible election will allow Zimbabwe to create a prosperous environment and will help the country to achieve its national development strategy.
When I presented my credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa in October, I asked him how the EU can support the electoral process next year. He suggested that we support ZEC.
I think it’s a good thing because the EU is committed to supporting Zimbabwe to hold credible and peaceful elections in 2023 and beyond.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004407/eu-envoy-meets-zanu-pf-ccc">NewsDay</a>

EU Envoy Meets ZANU PF, CCC Leaders

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to hold general elections on 20 December 2023.
The date was announced at a ceremony in Kinshasa on Saturday by the Commission Electorale Nationale Independante (CENI), the country’s electoral body.
CENI outlined several challenges, including the logistics of transporting ballot materials through thousands of kilometres, health concerns regarding Ebola and COVID-19, as well as the unrest that has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
However, the government has pledged to stick to the timetable in Africa’s second-largest country of 80 million people. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, said:
<blockquote>
It is not a question of negotiating with the constitutional deadlines, it is a question of us respecting them and consolidating our democracy.
</blockquote>
He said that the election will cost about US$600 million, more than US$450 million of which has already been budgeted.
DRC’s last presidential election, which was the country’s first democratic transition, was delayed by two years until it was finally held in December 2018.
In that vote, President Felix Tshisekedi took over from his long-standing predecessor Joseph Kabila.
Tshisekedi is expected to run again and one likely challenger is Martin Fayulu, who claimed victory in the 2018 election.
Meanwhile, a war is raging in eastern DRC with more than 120 armed groups, including M23 rebels, involved.
DRC has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels – Kigali denies the accusations. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/dr-congo-marks-december-2023-as-date-for-presidential-elections/">SABC News</a>

DRC Marks 20 December 2023 As Date For Presidential Elections

Captains of industry have warned that the upcoming 2023 general elections and the summer cropping season may rekindle runaway inflation if the government abandons its tight policy stance.
In its submission to the 2023 National Budget, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) warned that funding the agricultural season and elections has the potential to create excess liquidity which can feed the growth of money supply which will upset markets. CZI said:
<blockquote>
The current agriculture season, for example, will require the government to support farmers through the various schemes in existence.
There is potential for the creation of excess liquidity which can feed the growth of money supply if payments are not carefully calibrated.
The ability to crowd in the private sector as well as the general ability to fund agriculture in a non-inflationary manner will determine the inflation trajectory in the coming months.
The upcoming 2023 harmonised elections also have the potential to be a source of money supply growth unless elections are funded from the budget and payments are also carefully calibrated so as not to upset the market.
</blockquote>
Economist Gift Mugano said the government may be tempted to indulge in unrestrained printing of money in order to retain power. He said:
<blockquote>
We are getting into an election period, naturally, the government tends to become weaker as far as these principles of value for money are concerned.
For how long should they keep the liquidity tight as the people who have the tenders for everything in the country are the main sponsors of the campaigns hence they will be given time to make money to support the ruling party’s events.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s annual consumer price inflation eased for the second straight month to 268.8% in October of 2022, from 280.4% in September.
Economic commentators have attributed the fall in the rate of inflation to tight monetary measures implemented by the government and monetary authorities. | <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/elections-cast-pall-on-stability/">Business Times</a>

Elections Threaten Stability Of Markets - Economists

The government has set aside a total of ZWL$76 billion for the holding of general elections in 2023.
Presenting the 2023 national budget at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube, said the funds will cover voter registration, voter inspection, and actual election conduct, among other election-related expenses. He said:
<blockquote>
Mr. Speaker Sir, the country will hold harmonised elections in 2023 as enshrined in the Constitution.
Preparations for the plebiscite have already commenced, which included the delimitation exercise, voter registration, and voter’s role inspection.
The 2023 National Budget is setting aside ZWL$76 billion for the remaining activities covering voter registration, voter inspection, and actual election conduct, among others.
</blockquote>
This week, the European Union (EU) unveiled €6 million to support the holding of elections in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Ncube allocated $331.1 billion to Defence, $293 billion to the Home Affairs ministry, and $161.7 billion to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), which houses the Central Intelligence Organisation. He said:
<blockquote>
The 2023 national budget has set aside resources towards the capacitation of the uniformed forces with accommodation, rations and equipment, as well as improve their remuneration; both monetary and non-monetary, in order to fight crime, maintain law and order, as well as general peace and security.
</blockquote>

ZWL$76 Billion Set Aside For 2023 Elections

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) spokesperson, Obert Masaraure, has likened ZANU PF to a rapist pastor who uses Sunday services to abuse congregants.
Masaraure, who is also the president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), says ZANU PF insists on general elections every five years in order to “rape” democracy. He said:
<blockquote>
On elections [ZANU PF] behaves like a rapist pastor, the pastor insists that church service is due every Sunday, but uses church service to rape.
ZANU-PF insists that elections are held every 5 yrs in line with the Constitution but uses the elections to “rape” democracy.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a history of disputed elections, with opposition political parties accusing ZANU PF of using the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and other state institutions to rig elections.
In the last general elections, in 2018, the MDC Alliance candidate Nelson Chamisa refused to concede defeat to President Emmerson Mnangagwa alleging rigging.
Data analysts Team Pachedu say they have exposed a number of irregularities in the voters’ roll which has raised concern among opposition political parties.
According to Team Pachedu, ZEC has moved registered voters from their wards and constituencies without their consent.
Some political commentators have pointed out that the voters’ roll is prone to manipulation to give one party an advantage over others in elections.

Masaraure Likens ZANU PF To A "Rapist Pastor"

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has reiterated his call for what he calls a Pre-Elections Pact on Reforms (PREPARE) to ensure that the 2023 general elections are held in a peaceful environment that will produce an uncontested outcome.
Chamisa said that Zimbabwe should break the cycle of disputed elections by implementing genuine reforms that create an environment for free and fair polls. He said:
<blockquote>
There are no genuine reforms in the Zpf/government proposed electoral reforms by cabinet.
A pre-election pact on reforms by all parties, civil society, and stakeholders is key.
Any unilateral political decision will produce a disputed and discredited national leadership.
</blockquote>
In October this year, Cabinet approved the Electoral Amendment Bill which seeks to incorporate 30 percent of women in local authorities and introduce a youth quota system in the National Assembly.
Announcing the development while delivering the 29th post Cabinet briefing in Harare last month, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
In terms of the constitution of Zimbabwe, one has to be a citizen in order to qualify as a voter.
Accordingly, only a valid Passport or National Identity Card will be required as proof of identity.
… Once the Electoral Amendment Bill; 2022 is enacted into law, it will assist in ensuring that only citizens are able to vote in an election; that proper candidates are allowed to contest in an election; providing clarity on when and how a candidate can withdraw their candidature in an election so as to afford ZEC sufficient time to make changes to the design of the ballot; and advising the electorate of any changes to the candidature in an election.
</blockquote>

Chamisa Reiterates Call For “Pre-Elections Pact On Reforms” With Stakeholders

Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala, who is CCC national vice chairman, claims that the authorities want to keep him in detention beyond the 2023 general elections.
Sikhala, who celebrated his 50th on Sunday while in pre-trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, believes the State wants to keep him in jail beyond general elections slated for July or August 2023. He said:
<blockquote>
We obtained information beforehand that they want to keep us (Sikhala and Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole) until the 2023 general elections.
The purpose is very clear, they want to eliminate me from the national political equation for reasons best known to themselves.
Whatever they do will never defeat the endurance of my spirit to continue on the path of independence and freedom for our people.
Zimbabwe, in its current state, has been placed in the same situation as the one in which Ian Smith placed this country before.
</blockquote>
In a statement that he released as a birthday message from prison, Sikhala said he draws inspiration from the fact that he is not the first to spend birthdays in prison. He wrote:
<blockquote>
What gives me the utmost happiness is that I am not the first nor will I be the last political prisoner to celebrate their birthdays under persecution from an evil dictatorship. History is awash with such personalities.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 consecutive birthdays in prison; Dumiso Dabengwa 7; Lookout Masuku 7; Bakili Muluzu 10; Raila Odinga 10; and many other men and women of good standing.
</blockquote>
Sikhala faces charges of obstruction of justice and inciting violence.
He has been in detention since 14 June 2022, when he was arrested for allegedly inciting violence.
Sikhala was arrested after he convened a prayer meeting for his deceased client and opposition party member, Moreblessing Ali, who was killed by Pius Mukandi, a man linked to ZANU PF.
He has applied for bail eight times at both the High and the magistrates’ courts but has been denied this constitutional right. | <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/they-want-to-jail-me-until-2023-sikhala/">The NewsHawks</a>

They Want To Keep Me In Jail Beyond 2023 Elections - Sikhala

Nomination courts are set to seat next week for candidates seeking to fill local government vacancies in Binga, Gweru and Victoria Falls.
The vacancies were largely created by the mass recall of councillors by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T with Binga set to have the most number of by-elections.
The MDC Alliances were recalled by Mwonzora on allegations of working with the MDC-T’s rival, the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
In a notice, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana said the by-elections will be held on 3 December.
He said six wards were vacant in Binga, three in Gweru, and one in Victoria Falls. Said Silaigwana:
<blockquote>
In relation to the election of the councillors for the said wards, nomination courts shall sit on Thursday 3 November 2022 commencing from 10 AM to 4 PM at the offices of the chief executive officer for Binga Rural District Council, for the purposes of receiving nominations of candidates for election as councillors for the vacant wards 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 23 and the offices of the town clerk for Gweru Municipality, Gweru, for purposes of receiving nominations of candidates for election as councillors for the vacant wards 4, 5 and 18.
The offices of the town clerk for Victoria Falls Municipality, Victoria Falls, for purposes of receiving nominations for candidates for elections as councillor for the vacant ward 8 of Victoria Falls Municipality.
</blockquote>
 These are likely to be the last by-elections ahead of the 2023 general elections as ZEC recently announced that any vacancy that arises on or after 1 November will not be filled through a by-election.
Mwonzora’s MDC-T has not participated in by-elections since its candidates failed to win a single seat during the 26 March by-elections. | <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/index.php/2022/10/27/focus-shifts-to-matabeleland-north-by-elections-after-mwonzora-recalls/">VicFallsLive</a>

ZEC Announces Dates For 10 By-elections

Opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has urged young people to participate in politics to bring about change in Zimbabwe as has happened in several Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries over the past two years.
Chamisa has expressed optimism that the opposition will win next year’s elections if young people register to vote and vote in large numbers in next year’s general elections.
This comes after opposition parties won elections in Zambia, Malawi and most recently Lesotho. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>
Congratulations to the great people of #Lesotho for choosing the new, choosing hope over familiarity. Malawi did it. Zambia did it. Lesotho has done it. Nigeria will do it. We’re next. Zimbabwe we will do it! Young people shall save Africa. Play your part. Bring the change. Serve and save our Zimbabwe. Get involved. One is more. Your voice matters. Your vote counts.
</blockquote>
South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, the founder of the One South Africa Movement, concurred with Chamisa. He said:
<blockquote>
There is a wind of democratic change in southern Africa. First, it was Malawi, then it was Zambia, and now a brand new party in Lesotho has shaken the country.
Next year it will be Zimbabwe gaining its second independence. Then in 2024, we the people of SA will remove the African National Congress.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and Nigeria are scheduled to hold general elections next year while South Africa will conduct elections in 2024.

Opposition Wins Elections In Lesotho, Chamisa Says Zimbabwe Is Next

A United Nations official on Tuesday indirectly rejected claims by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa that he was in talks with the UN to supervise Zimbabwe’s general elections next year to ensure transparency and fairness.
Chamisa, who rejected the outcome of the 2018 presidential election, citing rigging allegations, has in recent weeks claimed the CCC was arranging UN supervision of the 2023 harmonised elections.
He made the latest claim at his party’s “Thank You” rally in Chinhoyi on Sunday.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator for Zimbabwe, Edward Kallon, told <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2022/09/13/un-rubbishes-chamisa-claims/">New Ziana</a> that the UN required a mandate from either the General Assembly or its Security Council to supervise elections in a member country.
He said the UN last supervised an election in 1989 in Namibia when the country gained independence. Said Kallon:
<blockquote>
UN electoral supervision requires a mandate from the General Assembly or the Security Council.
It has been undertaken in the context of decolonization, and at the request of the relevant government.
The most recently UN supervised elections were in Namibia in 1989 in a peculiar context.
</blockquote>
Kallon said technical assistance was now the most common type of support given to member states by the UN. He said:
<blockquote>
The United Nations provides different types of electoral assistance. Technical assistance is the most common form of support provided to Member States.
In Zimbabwe, UNDP has been providing support to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission since 2016, through the ZIM-ECO (ZEC capacity-building) project, which provides technical support to the electoral process in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>

UN Official Rejects Chamisa Claims

Local electoral watchdogs have urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to conduct the delimitation exercise in a transparent manner.
Speaking to <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000305/watchdogs-demand-transparency-in-delimitation-exercise">NewsDay</a>, Election Resource Centre’s legal and advocacy officer Takunda Tsunga said ZEC should carry out delimitation independently and impartially. Said Tsunga:
<blockquote>
The failure to adhere to constitutional principles guiding delimitation when carrying out the process results in marginalised groups or vulnerable communities having less opportunity than other registered voters to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice.
ZEC as the administrative body mandated to carry out delimitation must conduct its duties independently and impartially.
</blockquote>
Tsunga said that if the delimitation process is not transparent, it may lead to disputes ahead of the 2023 elections. He said:
<blockquote>
Delimitation that is not transparent will be the foundation of potential disputes arising in 2023.
Delimitation must draw boundaries in a manner that ensures exclusivity and equality of vote.
While ZEC has taken some steps to carry out consultations, the consultations cannot be considered as ‘public’ as the public has not been given sufficient platforms to participate in the delimitation process.
The lack of public participation will negatively impact public confidence in the process.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust executive director Ignatious Sadziwa said:
<blockquote>
Delimitation of electoral boundaries must mirror voter registration and census statistics without favour.
However, we feel that more civic education must be done to conscientise the electorate to allay fears of mistrust and gerrymandering.
If the process is done unfairly, legal recourse will be required as the Electoral Court is tasked to settle such disputes.
</blockquote>
Section 161 of the Constitution says electoral boundaries must be delimited once every 10 years following a population census.
Zimbabwe conducted its latest census during the second quarter of 2022 and ZEC is expected to conduct a delimitation exercise before next year’s general elections.

Electoral Watchdogs Demand Transparency In Delimitation Exercise

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it has so far recorded five million, six hundred and forty-seven thousand (5 647 000) registered voters countrywide for next year’s elections.
In a statement, ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe said 22 000 dead people have been removed from the voters roll.
She also said that voter registration was voluntary and continuous according to the law. Said Kazembe:
<blockquote>
By end of November 2021, we had recorded 5 647 000 registered voters for 2023 elections including the new ones and those that had registered in the previous elections.
The figure provided by the commission was of voters registered in 2021 and is not the cumulative figure in the country’s voter’s roll.
Please note that the figure is added to already registered voters in the voters roll.
The Commission implores all prospective registrants to visit our 63 districts and 10 provincial offices to get registered.
… Come 2023, the commission will be ready to hold the general elections without any hurdles.
</blockquote>
ZEC has of late come under intense scrutiny over allegations that it was under-reporting registration statistics across the country.
Last week, the electoral body revised upwards the number of newly registered voters in 2021 after members of the public disputed its recent disclosure that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/12/30/information-secretary-criticised-for-celebrating-low-voter-registration/">only 2 000 people had registered to vote.</a>
On Friday, ZEC released new statistics that showed that only 2 971 new voters were registered to vote countrywide, contrary to the 2 000 that the ZEC commissioner Jasper Mangwana announced last week Wednesday.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zec-registers-57-million-voters/">The Herald</a></h4>

ZEC Records 5.7 Million Registered Voters

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has dismissed an urgent application by the country’s Electoral Commission (IEC), seeking to postpone the 2021 local government elections.
The ConCourt on Friday ordered the IEC to hold local government elections on any day between 27 October and 1 November this year.
The Concourt further instructed the IEC to hold a special voter registration weekend – the date of which must be announced within three days of the order which was handed down on Friday. The order read:
<blockquote>
The Commission must, within three calendar days after the date of this order, determine whether it is practically possible to hold a voter registration weekend with a view of registering new voters and changing registered voters’ particulars on the national voters’ roll in time for local government elections to be held on any day in the period from Wednesday, 27 October 2021 to Monday, 1 November 2021 (both dates inclusive).
</blockquote>
The commission’s legal action followed the proclamation of the election date as 27 October by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
A commission of inquiry appointed by the IEC and led retired justice Dikgang Moseneke was tasked with looking into whether this year’s elections could be held in a free and fair manner, given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moseneke recommended a postponement of the elections, to February 2022, citing the rising number of infections.
It was on the basis of the Moseneke report that the IEC filed a court application seeking for the postponement of the elections.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/breaking-news-concourt-rules-against-iec-polls-to-go-ahead-eaa9ed14-b103-451b-8855-ffd9a004da7e">IOL</a></h4>

SA's Constitutional Court Dismisses Bid To Postpone Local Elections

President Emmerson on Thursday scoffed at suggestions that the winds of change blowing across southern Africa would affect Zimbabwe and result in his defeat in the much-anticipated 2023 elections.
This comes after Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu lost to opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema in the 12 August poll, while Lazarus Chakwera defeated the incumbent Peter Mutharika in Malawi in 2020.
Addressing government officials and businesspeople at the official opening of an oxygen production plant in Mutare, Mnangagwa urged opposition leaders entertaining such a dream to “wake up from their slumber”. He said:
<blockquote>
Let me tell you even before you ask me, if anyone dreams of what happened in Zambia happening in Zimbabwe, come back to your senses and brew some beer.
</blockquote>
However, MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said there was no doubt that recent developments in Zambia had unsettled Mnangagwa. Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, Mahere said:
<blockquote>
The illegitimate, oppressive, anti-people regime in Harare is clearly in panic mode following the victory for democracy in Zambia.
They know that defeat is coming for them in 2023. The good news for us is that power does not reside in Mr Mnangagwa, Mr (George) Charamba (presidential spokesman) or Mr (Simon) Khaya-Moyo (ZANU PF spokesperson) — all of whom have been at pains to minimise the impact of the victory in the region.
</blockquote>
Mahere said the MDC Alliance is confident of victory and what in Zambia is exactly what will happen in Zimbabwe. Added Mahere:
<blockquote>
Power belongs to the people who will vote in their millions in 2023. We have set a target of six million votes to secure a people’s victory. Citizens are tired of dictatorship, poverty and corruption.
We are confident that an overwhelming victory will be upon us as Zimbabweans form a broad alliance to win our nation for change. What happened in Zambia is exactly what will happen in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora’s spokesperson Lloyd Damba said his party was focused on its target to reach the 66% mark in the 2023 elections.
Meanwhile, Mnangagwa was accompanied by senior government officials including Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Manicaland provincial affairs minister Nokhutula Matsikenyeri.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/08/no-zambia-repeat-in-zim-ed/">NewsDay</a></h4>

What Happened In Zambia Won't Happen In Zimbabwe - Mnangagwa

Zambia’s opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema won the country’s presidential election, defeating incumbent Edgar Lungu, the southern African nation’s election commission announced early on Monday.
With 155 of 156 constituencies reporting, Hichilema, the United Party for National Development (UPND) leader, secured more than 2.8 million votes, while Lungu of the Patriotic Front (PF) was in second place with over 1.8 million votes in the vote held last Thursday.
Hichilema (59) had been leading in exit polls and preliminary election results released throughout the weekend.
Electoral commission chairman Justice Esau Chulu said in a televised address:
<blockquote>
I, therefore, declare the said Hakainde Hichilema to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia.
</blockquote>
The significant win sparked celebrations on the streets after an election marred by sporadic violence.
The election marked the sixth time Hichilema had run for the top job and the third time he had challenged 64-year-old incumbent Lungu.
In 2016, he narrowly lost to Lungu by about 100 000 votes.
Lungu, who has been in office for six years, faced the electorate amid growing resentment about the rising cost of living and crackdowns on dissent in the southern African country.
Hichilema enjoyed the support of 10 opposition parties at Thursday’s vote under the banner of his United Party for National Development (UPND), the largest opposition in Zambia.
In a statement issued through the president’s office last week, Lungu claimed the election was neither free nor fair due to incidents of violence reported in what are traditionally Hichilema’s stronghold.
In terms of the law, if Lungu wants to settle a dispute or nullify elections, he must approach the Constitutional Court within seven days to lodge a complaint after a winner is announced.
Meanwhile, international election observers have commended the transparent and peaceful organisation of the polls but condemned the restrictions on freedom of assembly and movement during the election campaign.
Voter turnout was estimated at just more than 70 per cent.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/zambias-opposition-leader-hichilema-wins-presidential-vote">Al Jazeera</a></h4>

Zambia's Opposition Candidate Hichilema Wins Presidential Election

The Zambian government has reportedly resolved to completely shut down access to the internet beginning on Thursday, 12 August 2021, the voting day.
According to a report by Lusaka Times, government sources said access to the internet will be throttled from Thursday in an effort to maintain peace and order during the voting period. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Yes, the internet will go down from Thursday. There will be a total blackout. We will start to slowly restore access around Saturday in selected areas, we may get full access maybe on Sunday or Monday, depending on the situation.
There is fear that some negative elements might use the internet to incite and organize protests and this is why we are shutting it down altogether.
</blockquote>
Head of Public Policy at Facebook, Southern Africa, Nomonde Gongxeka-Seopa has urged the Zambian government to keep internet open during the election period.
Gongxeka-Seopa said in an interview with Hot FM from South Africa that Facebook has been engaging the Zambian authorities on the importance of keeping internet access open. She said:
<blockquote>
We know that we rely on social media platforms to communicate and if there are Internet shutdowns, it separates people from reaching out to their families and friends and even their livelihoods and speaking of livelihoods, we know that with the advent of COVID-19, most businesses have moved online to reach out to their customers, so if there are Internet shutdowns, it undermines economic activities and growth by harming small businesses and disrupting the whole startup ecosystem.
So for us, we hold the view that instead of ordering shutdowns and blocking access, perhaps authorities should seek to use and work with online platforms to address emerging issues through maintaining their own online presence and supporting appropriate cultural speech.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, both MTN and Airtel have failed to offer guarantees that they will not shut down internet access over the election period.
MTN said if the Zambian government ordered it to shut down its services during the elections, the company would have to consider the order in light of its digital human rights policy.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.lusakatimes.com/2021/08/05/zambia-to-shut-down-the-internet-on-voting-day-as-facebook-urges-government-to-keep-internet-open/">Lusaka Times</a></h4>

Zambia To Shut Down The Internet On Voting Day

Zambia’s main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema said police blocked him from travelling to church on Sunday morning.
Hichilema (59), who is the president of the United Party for National Development (UPND), said police working under instructions blocked him and his entourage and started firing gunshots and tear gas canisters. He posted on Facebook:
<blockquote>This is barbaric and we won’t tolerate it anymore. On our way to Church, the Police under instructions blocked us and started firing gunshots, tear gas canisters and all manner of weapons at us.
To the normal Police, we say stop fighting us on behalf of the corrupt few because we are actually fighting for you.
And to the PF we say your time is up and whatever you try and do won’t stop Zambians from taking you out of pictures.</blockquote>
Zambia is set to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on 12 August this year.
A total of 19 candidates including incumbent Edgar Lungu are planning to contest presidential polls.
Below are the accompanying pictures posted by Hichilema:
<img alt="May be an image of standing, car, road and text that says 'AGB 3588'" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/196912908_351806796302054_1572502569837131506_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=kuMPLSyeo2IAX8wXkOC&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=f15801a3f646aa3d94fde57b1e8cda0c&amp;oe=60E3CC22"/><img alt="May be an image of standing, car, road and text that says 'AGB 3588'" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/196668539_351806842968716_8914012790433442418_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=cCM95viOrxkAX-33fEc&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=1c3c27e56539268b42f4d46da2d8b76f&amp;oe=60E388E1"/><img alt="May be an image of one or more people, people standing and road" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/197133157_351806889635378_5003364671044187368_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=yQwD7wSYV5kAX_uG3KD&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=57dffef434ee5541c180b0a8f0385430&amp;oe=60E3F0C0"/><img alt="May be an image of 1 person, standing and outdoors" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/196694064_351806932968707_4091021181118212550_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=QnCCOI0o3uQAX8Nn-z9&amp;tn=vHXGzpM45L3hdB3O&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=6a2e7a708bd1b4e34bdd05e3d0757997&amp;oe=60E22F58"/><img alt="May be an image of one or more people, people standing, car and road" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/195879521_351806982968702_2924920952293790965_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=Lf43tQUMFq8AX-SXxHs&amp;_nc_oc=AQmaXX9wIFQ1yZCiOzrqb01dMuZng8EJhoU9eTxIpBpbOQhsTmoB15tStW3Vbeu2BQY&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=bc9af69b727397898f9fdd25c8800f25&amp;oe=60E10DDA"/><img alt="May be an image of one or more people, people standing, outdoors and text that says '20 POLICE CHINGOLA DIST OPS'" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/195793423_351807019635365_5490780753690007326_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=RFXmTZ95PJYAX-Juc1X&amp;tn=vHXGzpM45L3hdB3O&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=9ddbb9dff8ea55a2232c481428138509&amp;oe=60E1962D"/><img alt="May be an image of one or more people, people standing and road" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/197046337_351807059635361_71949505888033887_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=4yxPaQtAArAAX_jnJAv&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=d3c3d9186294e033517e4e6bdbb24634&amp;oe=60E2D183"/><img alt="May be an image of car" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/197175314_351814706301263_1153322124289394285_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=1-3&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=yln0mFkn1cMAX9d-LUq&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=dc2b43c55fba22973a25a9e214a21c60&amp;oe=60E1D406"/>

Zambian Police Block Opposition Leader On His Way To Church

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) added only six people to the voters’ roll in May in Masvingo.
The Deputy Provincial Election Officer (PEO) Maxwell Ncube told TellZim that not too many people were coming to register to vote due to attitudes that make them want to register at the 11th hour. He said:
<blockquote>Only six people were recorded since the beginning of May; three women and three men.
Our statistics show that people are not registering and some of them end up transferring to other areas.
The major problem is that people want to do things at the last minute.</blockquote>
Ncube said ZEC will soon be going on outreach programmes to encourage people, especially youth and women, to vote.
A Mucheke resident, Vanessa Mashuro, told the publication that most people were not aware that the local ZEC offices were open and were registering people for the upcoming elections. She said:
<blockquote>People do not know where the offices are located and we usually register when they have announced that there are elections happening, and when registration centres are opened everywhere.</blockquote>
In March this year, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Utoile Silaigwana <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/23/zec-resumes-electoral-activities-but-by-elections-remain-suspended/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">said the electoral boy had lifted the suspension</a> of voter registration and some fieldwork it announced in January with effect from 1 April 2021.
The electoral activities were suspended after the government announced a hard lockdown to combat a spike in coronavirus infections soon after the festive season.
<h4>More: <a href="http://www.tellzim.com/2021/06/only-six-people-register-to-vote-in-may.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tell Zim News</a></h4>

Only Six People Register To Vote In May - ZEC

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