Innocent Mujeri
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has clarified its stance on election observation in its member states. This move comes after statements made by Nevers Mumba, former Zambian Vice-President, who led the SADC Election Observer Mission to Zimbabwe.
Contrary to his claims of ensuring a free and fair election in Zimbabwe on the instruction of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, SADC highlighted its non-interfering role.
The SADC Secretariat took to Twitter to set the record straight: “SADC DOES NOT conduct elections in its Member States but observes them. We then make recommendations. Understand the role of SADC when it comes to observing elections. Our mandate is only to observe and issue a report.”
This was made even more pertinent as the secretariat announced another election observation mission to Eswatini.
Mumba's mission in Zimbabwe has been under the microscope, with critics suggesting an overreach into areas like Zimbabwe’s constitution and judiciary.
While Mumba’s preliminary report found favour with major opposition groups and Western observer missions, it awaits presentation to SADC's primary body.
Reacting to the SADC's clarification, Lead President Linda Masarira took to X, stating, "Thank you, SADC, for the clarity and now my fellow countrymen it is time to mend our broken social fabric. Dear Zimbabweans, Understand the objectives of SADC Electoral Observation Missions and stop building castles in the air. I have always had a problem with political leaders who mislead their followers with propaganda and false hope. Elections are over, and it is time to find each other as Zimbabweans. Politics is a dirty game, and the one with the dirtiest game always wins. We can't keep the whole country in election mode because kamukoma kana (Nelson Chamisa) kakatadza tsoro. Leaders should mature, concede defeat, and reorganise. Zimbabwe needs leadership that is progressive, unifying, and development-oriented. We all need each other to build the Zimbabwe we want."
Amidst this, there are whispers that Eswatini has raised concerns about Mumba heading the SADC Election Observer Mission for their forthcoming elections. These concerns have allegedly resulted in Mumba being replaced by Enock Kavindele, another former Zambian Vice-President.
