Zim needs lasting electoral solution: CiCZ
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to demonstrate courage and come up with with a lasting solution to Zimbabwe’s electoral problems in the aftermath of the disputed harmonised elections.
In a statement, CiZC said Zimbabwe’s disputed elections are a burden to the region.
“There is widespread concurrence that it is in the best interest of SADC to act boldly in finding a lasting solution to the Zimbabwean crisis which continues to have ramifications across the region,” read the statement.
According to the organisation, a regional-facilitated dialogue is the panacea to breaking the cycle of disputed elections in Zimbabwe.
“SADC-facilitated all stakeholders’ dialogue process is imperative to help cure the scourge of disputed elections in Zimbabwe. The dialogue process must in no way be a political pact and in this regard, the role of civil society and other stakeholders that include the church, is critical.”
The regional body, the CiZC said, had a big role to hold the government and its institutions accountable based on the report from the SADC electoral observer mission, warning that failure to act would set a bad precedent within the region.
“Based on the Zimbabwean crisis post the 2023 elections, Sadc needs to stamp authority and push for transparency and credibility on elections within the region,” said CiZC.
The organisation said, locally, engagement with stakeholders to commence dialogue and transitional justice is necessary.
Citizens Coalition for Change is calling for a re-run of the elections after rejecting both the process and result.
ZEC announced Emmerson Mnangagwa winner of the presidential election by 52.6 % of the vote.
