ERC concerned by continued  intimidation of observers

Providence Moyo

Election Resource Centre (ERC) is worried by the continued  intimidation of  its  election observers. 

In a statement, the organisation  revealed that some of its observers are being visited by state agents while others are being summoned to polling stations they were serving at on polling day.

“The majority  of observers have been contacted telepathically, the ERC notes concerning cases in Kariba, Karoi and Makoni where observers have been visited at their homes with these requests.”

ERC also says two of its employees were tailed by unmarked vehicles from Rotten Row Magistrates court to their respective locations following the conclusion  of the case as ERC and  Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) employees and volunteers who were released on bail. This follows their arrest on election night on allegations of “intent” to announce results ahead of the electoral management body.

Continuing, the ERC said the intimidation has had detrimental effect on the freeness and fairness of the 2023 Harmonized elections in the country.

East  and Horn of Africa Election  Observers Network  E-HORN said the actions of authorities has a detrimental effect on the work of observers. In a statement which was calling  for the release of the Zimbabwe  Election  Support  Network and Election  Resource Centre and Zimbabwe Election Support Network observers,  E-HORN said it is paramount  to uphold and recognise the independence  of civil society organisations as they are an important tool in ensuring accountability and credibility in any situation.  

“The reported raid on the joint ZESN and ERC data centre in Grange, leading to the arrest of observers and confiscation of material and equipment is deeply concerning, it jeopardizes  the work of observer platforms in ensuring  accountability and credibility of electoral processes.”