by Gift Mashoko
European Union Election Observer Mission (EUEOM), Deputy Chief Observer, Mark Stevens, dismissed claims by certain journalists that EUEOM had totally discredited Zimbabwe`s 30 July 2018 election results.
Stevens highlighted that the journalists misquoted him on EU’s position on Zimbabwe’s election so as to suit their personal agenda.
The Deputy Chief Observer applauded Government for extending an invite to the EU observer team. He said the elections were reasonable with independent candidates participating in a peaceful environment. He said there were political freedoms before, during and after voting.
Stevens also praised the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for effectively running the elections. Prior to their coming to Zimbabwe, he said they had been informed that Zanu PF and Government were intimidating voters. To the contrary, Stevens said the information was not true.
For the first time in Zimbabwe, there was democracy as more than 120 political parties and 23 presidential candidates contested in the harmonised elections. Political parties were free to campaign in any part of the country.
Stevens said the job of the observer mission was to observe and give truthful reports, offering recommendations for future elections. He said EUEOM was not going to meddle in the political dynamics of Zimbabwe.
On being asked whether EU endorses or condemns the elections, Stevens said that it was not their duty to condemn or endorse elections. Rather their duty was just to give an analysis of the election process.
Stevens, however, said the elections fell short of world standard. He, however, there were many encouraging positives.
When asked on his take on the 1 August 2018 shootings. Stevens said the shootings were the main aspect that made Zimbabwe’s elections fall short of world standards.
In light of this, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has instituted a seven member commission of Inquiry headed by former South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe and comprises of other prominent figures. This shows the importance that President Mnangagwa attaches to the issue. This move has excited the International community.
