Prof. Moyo further indicated that any anticipation of reversing the results of the August 2023 elections was a futile endeavour.
Taking to his X handle earlier this morning, Professor Moyo penned a detailed outlook on SADC’s stance following the elections.
"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,” said Prof. Moyo.
Elaborating further, Professor Moyo highlighted that the two recent SADC virtual meetings underpinned the prevailing sentiment within the regional body.
A testament to this sentiment came from the statement of Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Téte António, who is the Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.
In a gesture affirming the credibility of the elections, the chairperson extended congratulations to Zimbabwe for successfully conducting free and fair elections.
Political analyst, Paidamoyo Mutsvairo, said that the remarks by Professor Moyo may have ruffled feathers within the opposition, particularly the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
"There had been underlying hope among some opposition members that the SADC might potentially push for a re-run of the elections in Zimbabwe, given the contested nature of the results. Such hopes, as Professor Moyo's analysis suggests, seem to be diminishing,” said Mutsvairo.
The political landscape of Zimbabwe has always been keenly watched by regional bodies like SADC, given the country's history and its significant role in the southern African region.
The 2023 harmonised general elections were no exception. However, with Professor Moyo's recent assertions, it appears that the regional community is leaning towards acceptance and recognition of the poll results.
