During the official opening of the Organ Troika Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), SADC Executive Secretary Elias Mpedi Magosi commended the recent democratic elections held in several member states, including Zimbabwe, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, and Eswatini. These elections were conducted peacefully and transparently, in line with SADC Principles and Guidelines, as citizens exercised their freedom of choice. Magosi expressed hope that the same democratic spirit would continue in upcoming elections in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Mauritius.
This praise from SADC is a significant setback for the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which has continued to claim that Zimbabwe’s 2023 Harmonised General Elections were disputed. SADC’s endorsement of the elections, along with those in other countries, clearly shows that the organization has moved on, confirming the legitimacy of Zimbabwe’s elections. This also discredits the false promises made by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa that SADC would intervene to call for a fresh election.
As the SADC Summit progresses, Zambia is handing over the Chairmanship of the Organ Troika to Tanzania, while Zimbabwe is set to take over the Chairmanship of SADC on August 17, 2024. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, recognized as the legitimate President of Zimbabwe, will assume this important leadership role.
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