ZEC Sill To Release Polling Station Results for 2023 Presidential Election
25 September 2024
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Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Still to Release Polling Station-Based Presidential Results of 2023 Elections

Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has yet to release polling station-based results for the 2023 presidential elections, leading to widespread speculation and increasing tension among political stakeholders and the public. This delay has fueled criticism of the electoral body’s transparency and efficiency, with political parties and civil society groups questioning the integrity of the electoral process.

Despite public outcry, ZEC Chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, has remained steadfast, emphasizing the need for electoral reforms rather than focusing on the controversies that marred the recent election cycle. Addressing delegates at a post-election review conference in Nyanga, Justice Chigumba spoke about the underlying electoral disputes, hinting at systemic issues within Zimbabwe’s election framework. However, she remained silent on the delayed release of the crucial polling station-based results that would allow a thorough audit of the 2023 presidential outcome.

“The differences we have as stakeholders on the electoral process in Zimbabwe are perpetuated by our failure to correctly diagnose the problems in order to prescribe effective solutions,” Justice Chigumba said, urging stakeholders to approach electoral reforms with a cooperative mindset. However, for many, her statements have done little to quell growing concerns surrounding the opacity of the election results.

Calls for Transparency

Political parties, particularly opposition groups, have continuously demanded that ZEC release detailed polling station results, which would allow for the verification of the official results announced. In the aftermath of the election, many stakeholders anticipated a swift release of the polling station-level breakdown, as this has become an essential transparency measure in electoral processes globally.

Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections were contentious, with accusations of irregularities and a heavily disputed presidential race. By withholding polling station-based results, ZEC has deepened skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the election. Civil society organizations and election monitoring bodies have criticized the delay, with some claiming that this lack of transparency compromises the ability to conduct an independent audit.

“Polling station results are the most granular and transparent form of election data,” said one election observer who wished to remain anonymous. “Without them, it’s nearly impossible to verify whether the tallied national results reflect the true will of the people. ZEC’s silence is worrying, especially in a highly polarized environment like Zimbabwe.”

ZEC Defends Its Position

Justice Chigumba, speaking at the review conference, suggested that electoral disputes could be minimized if political stakeholders agreed on reforms ahead of time. “The purpose of this review workshop is therefore not to point fingers at one another but to brainstorm and come out with proposals on how we should reform our processes so that they meet the expectations of the majority of stakeholders,” she stated.

While acknowledging that electoral change is often needed, she warned against frequent reforms that could confuse voters and disrupt the electoral process. However, her remarks were notably silent on why ZEC had yet to release the much-anticipated polling station-based results.

Justice Chigumba’s stance has frustrated many who see the delayed results as a deliberate attempt to evade scrutiny. Opposition leaders argue that without these results, it is impossible to independently verify the overall election outcome. “The failure to release polling station-based results is an affront to democracy,” said a spokesperson for the main opposition party. “Transparency should be non-negotiable.”

Increasing Tensions

The delay has only worsened political tensions, with the opposition hinting at legal challenges and public protests if the results are not released soon. With emotions running high, some fear that continued silence from ZEC could lead to instability. Political analysts note that the lack of transparency in Zimbabwe’s electoral process could have long-term consequences for the country’s democratic development.

As ZEC continues to deliberate on potential electoral reforms, pressure mounts for the immediate release of the polling station-based results. Many believe that until ZEC takes this crucial step, discussions about future reforms will be overshadowed by questions about the 2023 election’s legitimacy.

For now, Zimbabwe waits anxiously, as the delayed results threaten to unravel what remains of public confidence in the electoral system.- Agencies