This emerged yesterday following a virtual meeting of the
SADC Troika comprising Namibia, the outgoing chair, Zambia, current chair and
Tanzania the incoming chair.
In its record of the Extraordinary meeting of the Troika
which was held virtually and chaired by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema,
SADC said the Election Observer Mission (SEOM) report had been finalised for
submission to the bloc’s Chairperson and thereafter President Mnangagwa.
“The EO-MCO Troika also noted that the Zimbabwe SEOM
(issued its Preliminary Statement on 25th August 2023 and, as stipulated by
Section 11.8.1 of the Principles and Guidelines, the SEOM should produce its
Final Report within 30 days and submit to the Member State that held the
relevant election.
“The EO-MCO Troika further noted that since the 30 days
have lapsed, the Zimbabwe SEOM report has been finalised for submission to the
Chairperson of the Organ for onward transmission to the Head of State and the
Electoral Management Body of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”
Weighing in on the SADC record, Former Cabinet Minister
Professor Jonathan Moyo said the regional bloc had evidently “moved on”.
“While the final report of the Sadc Election Observation
Mission (SEOM)is yet to be tabled for noting at the next Ordinary Sadc Summit
scheduled for August 2024, it is safe to say that SADC has moved on regarding
Zimbabwe’s 2023 harmonised general election.
“There will be no Extraordinary Ordinary Sadc Summit on
SEOM’s report on Zimbabwe’s 2023 harmonised general election.
“Sadc observed the election, and prepared a report which
has recommendations that Zimbabwe, as a member state, will be at liberty to
review and act on or not act on in terms of its Constitution and laws, as it
may be deem fit as a sovereign state!” he wrote on his official X handle.
Following recommendations made by the SEOM in its report,
it will be Zimbabwe’s prerogative to act on or not act on them. Herald
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