Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s transparent electoral processes during the August 2023 Harmonised General elections have been highly commended by political analysts in the region and beyond, this follows the Botswana Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) visit.

This positive assessment comes despite negative criticism from some detractors, further solidifying the ZEC's standing while highlighting its progress in conducting credible polls.

Speaking to this publication, Paul Mazangara a political analyst praised the visit by Botswana IEC to Zimbabwe stating that it was a clear endorsement of Zimbabwe's electoral processes and the credibility of ZEC despite the narrative from detractors.

Mazangara emphasized the significance of this visit, viewing it as "benchmarking" and a testament to the ZEC's transparency.

“The Botswana IEC's visit to Zimbabwe wasn't just a friendly hello; it was a clear endorsement of the electoral processes and the credibility of ZEC. Let's not be fooled by the detractors spinning their narratives.

“This visit speaks volumes about the strides Zimbabwe has made in ensuring free and fair elections, and it's a message worth celebrating,” said Mazangara.

Additionally, Mazangara highlighted the value of knowledge exchange between regional bodies.

"Sharing experiences is crucial for improving the credibility and transparency of elections throughout the SADC region," he stated.

Furthermore, Grace Mutasa, a representative from a local electoral watchdog group, shared the same sentiments and commended ZEC for their openness to share expertise.

She noted that such exchanges play a crucial role in building trust and confidence in electoral institutions.

“Their willingness to share expertise is commendable. Such exchanges foster trust and confidence in electoral institutions, which is vital for any democracy to thrive," she stated.

Meanwhile, the public has expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the visit in strengthening Botswana's electoral processes and promoting democratic governance.

Social media buzzed with comments like "Learning from each other is how we grow as democracies" and "This is the kind of regional cooperation we need to see more of."

The recent visit by the Botswana IEC to Zimbabwe has served as a powerful endorsement of the ZEC's performance. It has fostered regional collaboration, bolstered public trust, and ignited hope for a brighter democratic future in Africa.