Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has expressed security concerns over domestic observers who are being threatened and called to resign V11 forms at polling stations.
“In addition, despite the release of detained staff on Friday 25 August 2023 from the police, ZESN continues to receive reports of intimidation and threats against our staff,” ZESN said in a statement.
This comes against the background of calls that numerous observers have received across the country asking them to resign V11 forms.
“Not only are the calls to observers illegal, the threats are also unwarranted. Democratic processes are by nature to be inclusive beyond the participation of those competing to gain the mandate from the electorate.
“Observers too are an essential component in electoral processes as they bolden democracy through impartial assessment of electoral processes.”
It continued: “As per the legislative framework on election, V11 forms by now should be sealed in boxes which contain election residue and cannot be reopened unless someone request a recount.
“Further, it is through an election petition when the Court orders the reopening of election residue to solve an electoral outcome dispute.”
ZESN reiterated calls for the government to ensure the safety and security of observers when carrying out their duties in line with the legislative framework, regional, continental, and international obligations and fundamental human rights during election observation. “Notwithstanding the setback to our domestic observation, we renew our calls for peace as we await the announcement of results by ZEC,” ZESN said.
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