The elections in Zimbabwe have been held in a peaceful environment and according to internationally acceptable standards, the Palestine observer mission has concluded.
The head of the mission, Mr Hisham Kuhail, the Chief Electoral Officer of the Central Elections Commission of Palestine (CEC) advised the nation in a media briefing in Harare this morning.
“In conclusion, the opening, the closing and counting processes were carried out in a transparent and efficient mabber and according to internationally acceptable standards”, said Mr Hisham Kuhail.
Zimbabwe went to the harmonised polls on the 23rd of August to elect the President, members of parliament and councillors.
The country extended invitations to various countries and organisations across the globe. The same invitation was extended to Palestine which positively responded by sending a high-level observer mission headed by Mr Kuhail.
The team arrived in the country on the 20th of August and got down to business.
The scope of the team was to look at electoral procedural aspects, the readiness of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to hold credible elections and the general voting environment.
Despite delays in polling stations opening times the general environment was transparent and staff were competent.
“Despite delay, opening procedures were transparent and were carried out according to international standards.
In all centres visited, long queues, peaceful environment, order, presence of local local observers were evident”, said Mr Kuhail.
Mr Kuhail applauded the presence of President Chissano, former Mozambican President and Special Facilitator of the Zimbabwe’s debt and arrears clearance programme.
The observer team did not witness any voter intimidation or vote buying antics.
Zimbabwe has matured as a democracy. We urge the nation to continue on this trajectory of peaceful co-existence regardless of political affiliation.
As results are announced we urge losers to embrace winners so that the country move forward in unison.
