The Zanu-PF delegation assigned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to observe South Africa’s May 8 provincial and national elections have endorsed them as free, fair, credible, transparent and a reflection of the will of the people.

It also congratulated the people of South Africa for an exemplary plebiscite.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail yesterday, Zanu-PF spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said the delegation “affirms, without hesitation, the integrity of the entire electoral process”.

“The Zimbabwe delegation congratulates the people of South Africa, the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) all the political parties in South Africa for a well organised, exemplary electoral process, which resulted in this free, fair, transparent and credible election,” he said.

Ambassador Moyo said the electoral process was demonstrably well managed as the 700 000 voters who applied through the special vote — the disabled, elderly and mothers with babies — were ably assisted.

“The voting itself, on May 8, and the voting environment was peaceful, orderly, well organised and all polling stations opened on time. Polling agents, especially of the three major political parties — ANC (African National Congress), DA (Democratic Alliance) and EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) – were present at most polling stations.

“Voting materials were generally available and delivered on time despite insignificant logistical problems.

“Party regalia was permissible, except for polling agents. Political parties also had political desks at polling stations.”State media