President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday said South Africa’s congratulations to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his re-election in the country’s recent elections was on the basis that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has declared him the winner.

Speaking to the SABC on the sidelines of his visit to Soweto, Ramaphosa called for Zimbabweans to exercise patience until everything is processed. He said:

The SADC body has issued a preliminary report. They are still going to sit down together with many other observers and analyse everything.

So, let’s wait until all that comes out but the Electoral Commission in Zimbabwe has made a declaration and it is on that basis that we have issued our congratulatory message.

So, the rest of the things still need to be processed no doubt and everybody including the government of Zimbabwe accepts that so let’s wait until everything is well processed.

Ramaphosa’s congratulatory message was met with consternation in some quarters after the SADC Observer Mission expressed its reservations about the recently concluded harmonised elections.

The SADC observer team said voting delays, the banning of opposition rallies and biased state media compromised the credibility of the 23 August elections.

A group of army officers in the central African nation of Gabon say they have overthrown the government of President Ali Bongo.

The officers announced the coup early Wednesday morning on national television channel Gabon 24, just moments after the nation’s election commission had announced that President Bongo had won a third term in Saturday’s general elections.

The group said that the election results were invalidated, all state institutions dissolved and all borders closed until further notice.

“We have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime,” one of the officers said.

Bongo first took office in 2009, after the death of his father, Omar Bongo who had become president in 1967.

Saturday’s elections were overshadowed by a lack of international observers, raising concerns about transparency. Afterward, Bongo’s government curtailed internet service and imposed a nightly curfew across the nation, saying it was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation

Gunfire was heard throughout Gabon’s capital, Libreville, after the television appearance.

The declared coup comes on the heels of last month’s military overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, the latest in a series of coups across West and Central Africa since 2020. President Bongo survived an attempted military takeover in January 2019 as he was recovering from a stroke.

Some information for this report came from Reuters, Agence France-Presse.

Amnesty International has urged the Zimbabwean government to investigate the enforced disappearance and torture of Nelson Mukwenha, a CCC political activist.

Mukwenha was allegedly abducted by suspected State security agents on 26 August.

Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, said those responsible for Mukwenha’s disappearance and torture should be brought to justice. Said Farisè:

Amnesty International strongly condemns the enforced disappearance and torture of Nelson Mukwenha, allegedly at the hands of Zimbabwe’s security forces.

Authorities must conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, effective, and transparent investigation into Mukwenha’s disappearance and torture.

The findings of any investigation must be made public and those suspected to be responsible must be brought to justice in fair trials.

Everyone, regardless of their political outlook, should be able to freely express themselves and participate in peaceful activism without the fear of abduction or harm.

The Zimbabwean authorities must respect, protect, promote and fulfill the right of everyone to physical security and safety.

The Zimbabwean authorities must ensure that enforced disappearances and abductions are treated as extremely serious crimes, and ensure justice and accountability.

Amnesty International said on 26 August 2023, Mukwenha was part of a crowd of people that prevented suspected security officials from abducting Promise Mkwananzi, spokesperson of the CCC, during a press conference in Harare.

Later that evening, Mukwenha was reportedly picked up by suspected security officials at his home in Highfields, Harare.

Mukwenha was then tortured and dumped in a forest in Mapinga, Mashonaland West Province.

University students in Zimbabwe have expressed dismay over the recent hike in tuition and accommodation fees.

Some local universities have withheld the results of students who have failed to pay fees.

Students from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) have filed a High Court application challenging the fee adjustment for the 2023 first semester.

According to the application filed by Chambati, Makata and Makosene Attorneys, the students accused ZOU of failing to advise them of the new fees in advance. Part of the application reads:

From your communications dated June 27, 2023, you intimated the desire to balloon fees as your choice of words does intimate.

Though we understand that there exists such a hostile stagflationary environment in Zimbabwe; there is no justification whatsoever for you to be unjustly enriched at the expense of the future and legitimate expectations of innocent students.

There should be transparency and accountability in your conduct, actions, acts and omissions within the purview of equity and justice when dealing with the rights of students.

The students also accused ZOU administrators of sending the students new balances ranging from ZWL$1 million to more than ZWL$4 million.

NewsDay reported ZOU vice-chancellor Paul Gundani as saying the fees were raised due to the country’s hyperinflationary environment.

Zimbabwe National Students’ Union’s Leo Mashonganyika on Monday said the University of Zimbabwe barred students from accessing their results to force them to pay the fees.

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he would maintain the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a grouping of losing presidential candidates.

POLAD was first established after the 2018 elections and 17 presidential candidates were part of the group.
Speaking at State House in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said he was “very happy that we created the platform”.
He said loving sons and daughters of the soil came together under POLAD and contributed immensely to national development.
President Mnangagwa said when he formed his Government, “the same facility” will be created so that again, “sons and daughters of our motherland” sit around the table and discuss ways of taking the country forward for the attainment of Vision 2030 of an empowered upper middle income society.
When POLAD was set up in 2019, it was designed to promote dialogue among all political parties in Zimbabwe.
It contributed to policy formulation through lobbying the Government via the platform.
A number of committees were set up, one of them being the economic committee, which was an advisory committee to the Government.
PDP president Mrs Lucia Matibenga said the economic committee was consulted when the Government was crafting the National Development Strategy 1, an economic blueprint that runs from 2021 until 2025.
POLAD also worked on electoral reforms, in an effort to ensure free and fair elections.
Said Mrs Matibenga in a recent interview: “The formation of POLAD is an achievement that people in a highly charged, polarised political environment have been able to come together. We must thank His Excellency for being magnanimous, for being tolerant to say we are brothers and sisters, elections have come and gone and we need to build our country and move forward.”
Another POLAD principal, Mr Kwanele Hlabangana, leader of the Republican Party (RPZ), who was the POLAD rapporteur of the international relations and re-engagement committee, said in a recent interview: “I am worried about the brand Zimbabwe.
“We might differ politically but our identity is a common denominator where we say we are Zimbabweans first before a political party. Patriotism should not be forced on you in a draconian manner; it must come naturally.” Herald

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he would maintain the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a grouping of losing presidential candidates.

POLAD was first established after the 2018 elections and 17 presidential candidates were part of the group.
Speaking at State House in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said he was “very happy that we created the platform”.
He said loving sons and daughters of the soil came together under POLAD and contributed immensely to national development.
President Mnangagwa said when he formed his Government, “the same facility” will be created so that again, “sons and daughters of our motherland” sit around the table and discuss ways of taking the country forward for the attainment of Vision 2030 of an empowered upper middle income society.
When POLAD was set up in 2019, it was designed to promote dialogue among all political parties in Zimbabwe.
It contributed to policy formulation through lobbying the Government via the platform.
A number of committees were set up, one of them being the economic committee, which was an advisory committee to the Government.
PDP president Mrs Lucia Matibenga said the economic committee was consulted when the Government was crafting the National Development Strategy 1, an economic blueprint that runs from 2021 until 2025.
POLAD also worked on electoral reforms, in an effort to ensure free and fair elections.
Said Mrs Matibenga in a recent interview: “The formation of POLAD is an achievement that people in a highly charged, polarised political environment have been able to come together. We must thank His Excellency for being magnanimous, for being tolerant to say we are brothers and sisters, elections have come and gone and we need to build our country and move forward.”
Another POLAD principal, Mr Kwanele Hlabangana, leader of the Republican Party (RPZ), who was the POLAD rapporteur of the international relations and re-engagement committee, said in a recent interview: “I am worried about the brand Zimbabwe.
“We might differ politically but our identity is a common denominator where we say we are Zimbabweans first before a political party. Patriotism should not be forced on you in a draconian manner; it must come naturally.” Herald

By- The main opposition, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), has given the Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa another headache as the coalition demands fresh polls.

CCC demanded a fresh election after it rejected the result of the 23 August vote condemned by the region.

CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba told a news conference in Harare that the African Union and SADC should facilitate a return to legitimacy in Zimbabwe. Said Siziba:
The position of the CCC is very clear. We reject in total the results of the elections held on 23 August because the electoral process was flawed and fraught with illegalities.
As a way forward we are demanding fresh elections that are free, fair and credible.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU PF party won a second term after he polled 52.6% of the vote, and CCC candidate Nelson Chamisa scored 44%.
Election Observer reports from SADC, the Carter Centre and EU all agreed that the electoral field was uneven and the conditions were not conducive for a free election.

By- The main opposition, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), has demanded a fresh election after it rejected the result of the 23 August vote condemned by the region.

CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba told a news conference in Harare that the African Union and SADC should facilitate a return to legitimacy in Zimbabwe. Said Siziba:
The position of the CCC is very clear. We reject in toto the results of the elections held on 23 August because the electoral process was flawed and fraught with illegalities.
As a way forward we are demanding fresh elections that are free, fair and credible.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU PF party won a second term after he polled 52.6% of the vote, and CCC candidate Nelson Chamisa scored 44%.
Election Observer reports from SADC, the Carter Centre and EU all agreed that the electoral field was uneven and the conditions were not conducive for a free election.

The United States is committed to the people of Zimbabwe and their right to choose their leaders in free and fair elections conducted in a transparent manner. We commend those who sought to exercise their right to vote peacefully.

Although the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) has announced results of the country’s recent presidential election, multiple observation missions have expressed deep concerns and stated that the country’s electoral process did not meet regional and international standards for credibility. For example, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international electoral observation missions cited problems with transparency, independence, fairness, and credibility at all stages of the electoral process. The United States notes in particular the systemic bias against political opposition during the pre-election period and reports from respected civil society groups that ZEC officials pressured election observers to sign altered polling station result forms. We call on the ZEC to make the disaggregated polling station results publicly available to increase confidence in the result tabulation process.

We also strongly condemn the intimidation and disruption of lawful election observers throughout the electoral period. On August 23 the government arrested staff from respected civil society organizations engaged in lawful election observation in accordance with the Electoral Act. These arrests prevented efforts to independently verify ZEC’s announced results, a fundamental component of democratic processes in the region and around the world. Furthermore, threats directed against members of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission are dangerous, and we call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to cease these inflammatory and unacceptable attacks.

These actions belie President Mnangagwa’s repeated pledges to respect rule of law, transparency, and accountability. The United States is engaging regional leaders to share our concerns, including what this means for the international community’s nascent efforts to reengage the Zimbabwean government. There is much at stake for the people of Zimbabwe and the region. We urge all Zimbabweans to remain peaceful and pursue grievances through established legal channels.

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly screamed for help when his former wife Marry Mubaiwa allegedly tried to pull out an intravenous life-saving tube at a South African hospital in 2018, Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro told the court yesterday.

Mangwiro said he rushed into the intensive care unit where Chiwenga was booked after he heard him screaming for help.

Mangwiro, who was Chiwenga’s personal doctor, was testifying in Mubaiwa’s trial for attempting to kill Chiwenga.

He also told the court that Mubaiwa tried all means to kill her ex-husband, saying he was forced to board another aircraft without his patient who needed care during the flight.

“When we arrived at Lanseria Airport in Pretoria (South Africa), the accused person delayed us for more than three hours at the airport where she had a misunderstanding with the immigration officials,” Mangwiro said. “She told the immigration officials that her son was Chiwenga’s biological son, but the documents bore other names. We waited for three hours as there was a stand-off.”

He said the delay was unnecessary because Chiwenga needed urgent medical attention, adding that he was surprised when they were led to a hotel instead of NetCare Hospital, where he had booked for Chiwenga.

“We were supposed to go to NetCare Hospital as we had left Zimbabwe for that destination. To my disappointment, the then powerful accused directed us to Sheraton Hotel. It was a dangerous decision because it continued to endanger the life of the Vice-President.

“We then got to the basement of the hotel and we immediately confronted the accused to say the Vice-President needed life-saving hospitalisation rather than to come to a hotel.

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he would maintain the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a grouping of losing presidential candidates.

POLAD was first established after the 2018 elections, and 17 presidential candidates were part of the group.
Speaking at State House in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said he was “very happy that we created the platform”.
He said loving sons and daughters of the soil came together under POLAD and contributed immensely to national development.
President Mnangagwa said when he formed his Government, “the same facility” will be created so that again, “sons and daughters of our motherland” sit around the table and discuss ways of taking the country forward for the attainment of Vision 2030 of an empowered upper middle income society.
When POLAD was set up in 2019, it was designed to promote dialogue among all political parties in Zimbabwe.
It contributed to policy formulation through lobbying the Government via the platform.
A number of committees were set up, one of them being the economic committee, which was an advisory committee to the Government.
PDP president Mrs Lucia Matibenga said the economic committee was consulted when the Government was crafting the National Development Strategy 1, an economic blueprint that runs from 2021 until 2025.
POLAD also worked on electoral reforms, in an effort to ensure free and fair elections.
Said Mrs Matibenga in a recent interview: “The formation of POLAD is an achievement that people in a highly charged, polarised political environment have been able to come together. We must thank His Excellency for being magnanimous, for being tolerant to say we are brothers and sisters, elections have come and gone and we need to build our country and move forward.”
Another POLAD principal, Mr Kwanele Hlabangana, leader of the Republican Party (RPZ), who was the POLAD rapporteur of the international relations and re-engagement committee, said in a recent interview: “I am worried about the brand Zimbabwe.
“We might differ politically but our identity is a common denominator where we say we are Zimbabweans first before a political party. Patriotism should not be forced on you in a draconian manner; it must come naturally.” Herald

By- The opposition CCC said it would not wait for another five years to challenge the rigged elections.

The CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, said this after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Sartuday declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner in the 23 and 24 August presidential elections.

ZEC said Mnangagwa garnered 2 350 711 votes (52.6%) of the 4 468 730 votes cast against Chamisa’s 1 967 343, constituting 44%.
However, Chamisa rejected the results and claimed CCC was in possession of the V11 and V23B forms, whose results were different from those used by ZEC to declare Mnangagwa the winner.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare on the morning after the declaration of the presidential election results, Chamisa said:
What is our next step? There is going to be a change in Zimbabwe. Whether ZANU PF people want it or not? It’s not going to be easy, but there shall be a change.
We will not wait for five years. There has to be change now. We are going to lead in making sure that change comes to Zimbabwe.
Mr Mnangagwa knows that he has performed a coup since 2008 a coup on the ballot; 2017 a coup on the elected leader; 2018 a coup on the ballot. He has repeated again, 2023, a coup on the ballot.
You can’t survive this too many times. This time, no further! We have drawn a line in the sand.
We will not allow you to abuse people. You are not the last person in Zimbabwe.
Chamisa also said the opposition party is on a diplomatic offensive to ensure that “errors” in the elections are corrected. He said:
We are ready to form the next government on account of correcting all the errors that we have identified. We have the results and we will form that government.
We are on a peaceful offensive. We are on a diplomatic offensive. We are going to take an offensive stance in a progressive and democratic manner to make sure that the voice of the people is respected and ultimately the voice of God reigns in this country.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Police warned political parties against conducting ” popcorn demonstrations” or inciting violence and issuing threats, saying lawbreakers will be arrested.

By- The opposition CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, says there will be a change in Zimbabwe’s political landscape soon, and the opposition party will not wait another five years to contest in general elections.

On Saturday night, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner in the 23 and 24 August presidential elections.

ZEC said Mnangagwa garnered 2 350 711 votes (52.6%) of the 4 468 730 votes cast against Chamisa’s 1 967 343, constituting 44%.
However, Chamisa rejected the results and claimed CCC was in possession of the V11 and V23B forms, whose results were different from those used by ZEC to declare Mnangagwa the winner.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare on the morning after the declaration of the presidential election results, Chamisa said:
What is our next step? There is going to be a change in Zimbabwe. Whether ZANU PF people want it or not? It’s not going to be easy, but there shall be a change.
We will not wait for five years. There has to be change now. We are going to lead in making sure that change comes to Zimbabwe.
Mr Mnangagwa knows that he has performed a coup since 2008 a coup on the ballot; 2017 a coup on the elected leader; 2018 a coup on the ballot. He has repeated again, 2023, a coup on the ballot.
You can’t survive this too many times. This time, no further! We have drawn a line in the sand.
We will not allow you to abuse people. You are not the last person in Zimbabwe.
Chamisa also said the opposition party is on a diplomatic offensive to ensure that “errors” in the elections are corrected. He said:
We are ready to form the next government on account of correcting all the errors that we have identified. We have the results and we will form that government.
We are on a peaceful offensive. We are on a diplomatic offensive. We are going to take an offensive stance in a progressive and democratic manner to make sure that the voice of the people is respected and ultimately the voice of God reigns in this country.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Police warned political parties against conducting ” popcorn demonstrations” or inciting violence and issuing threats, saying lawbreakers will be arrested.

By- The opposition CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa has exposed Zanu PF’s continued coup through the ballot and said that the regime would not succeed this time.

After Saturday night, Chamisa said that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner in the 23 and 24 August presidential elections.

ZEC said Mnangagwa garnered 2 350 711 votes (52.6%) of the 4 468 730 votes cast against Chamisa’s 1 967 343, constituting 44%.
However, Chamisa rejected the results and claimed CCC was in possession of the V11 and V23B forms, whose results were different from those used by ZEC to declare Mnangagwa the winner.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare on the morning after the declaration of the presidential election results, Chamisa said:
What is our next step? There is going to be a change in Zimbabwe. Whether ZANU PF people want it or not? It’s not going to be easy, but there shall be a change.
We will not wait for five years. There has to be change now. We are going to lead in making sure that change comes to Zimbabwe.
Mr Mnangagwa knows that he has performed a coup since 2008 a coup on the ballot; 2017 a coup on the elected leader; 2018 a coup on the ballot. He has repeated again, 2023, a coup on the ballot.
You can’t survive this too many times. This time, no further! We have drawn a line in the sand.
We will not allow you to abuse people. You are not the last person in Zimbabwe.
Chamisa also said the opposition party is on a diplomatic offensive to ensure that “errors” in the elections are corrected. He said:
We are ready to form the next government on account of correcting all the errors that we have identified. We have the results and we will form that government.
We are on a peaceful offensive. We are on a diplomatic offensive. We are going to take an offensive stance in a progressive and democratic manner to make sure that the voice of the people is respected and ultimately the voice of God reigns in this country.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Police warned political parties against conducting ” popcorn demonstrations” or inciting violence and issuing threats, saying lawbreakers will be arrested.

By A Correspondent- Former Zanu Pf heavyweight who is currently in exile Saviour Kasukuwere has urged the Zimbabwean authorities to proclaim a new election date arguing that the just ended harmonised polls are illegal and were declared void by election observers.

Kasukuwere, whose presidential aspirants were quashed by the Zimbabwean courts called on the government to proclaim a new election date and ensure that the polls are done in accordance with the “dictus of the law”.

Said Kasukuwere:

“The Zimbabwe General elections have been declared illegal and void by SOEM. Nothing legitimate can flow from it. We need a new proclamation and date of elections which must be done in dictus of the law, SOEM guidelines et al.!!!!

The ruling Zanu-PF party has accused the United States of interfering in Zimbabwe’s political affairs, claiming that the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) is a puppet party bent on facilitating Zimbabwe’s re-colonisation.

The ruling party’s vitriol comes after the Southern African Development Community Election Observer Mission (SEOM), African Union-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, European Union Observer Mission, Commmonwealth Observer Mission and the Carter Center raised the red flag over the August 23 and 24 polls.

The US embassy in Harare also released a statement saying it shared the sentiments of the different missions.

“These missions cited problems with the transparency, independence, fairness and credibility of electoral processes; undue restrictions on the rights to freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of expression that are guaranteed by Zimbabwe’s Constitution and reflected in regional guidelines; reports of voter intimidation; and the disenfranchisement of candidates, particularly women,” the US Embassy statement said.

Soon after President Emmerson Mnangagwa was proclaimed winner of the largely controversial poll with a 52,6% win against opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s 44%, Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said the opposition CCC party would never rule Zimbabwe because it was an infiltration tool by the West to recolonise Zimbabwe.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Mutsvangwa said: “America does not want to believe that Africa can make sovereign decisions about its resources. They want to control those resources by putting puppets in government and get them for free.

“What happens in the end is that they are expecting to have supper of African resources. We have already finished breakfast with the Chinese, the Indians and we are not going to stop and wait for America.”

Mutsvangwa said the US was a greedy country which developed by capitalising on developing countries such as Zimbabwe.

“Americans want to have a free ride on African resources; they do not want to buy them on the market like the Chinese and the Indians. They want to put a puppet in Zimbabwe and then come and negotiate with a puppet so that they get freebies.

Police have accused the opposition of planning to roll out protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial election victory and have warned they will crush such demonstrations.

This comes after the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) which commands a large following in the country has rejected Saturday’s results which gave the incumbent 52,6 percent of the national vote against his rival, Nelson Chamisa’s 44 percent.

In a statement on Sunday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the opposition was mobilising its members to carry out a false verification exercise in Harare when its real intentions were to embark on protests.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully aware of attempts by some political activists to mobilise groups of people to move in small numbers and come to Harare for purported briefing and popcorn demonstrations under the guise of citizen voter audit or verification.

This has even been given credence by some social media posts obtained by the police where some individuals and groups are openly inciting violence and issuing threats aimed at causing alarm and despondence among Zimbabweans.

“The police will not hesitate to effect arrests on such criminal elements,” Nyathi said.

He said, “Zimbabweans should feel free to go to their workplaces, to conduct family and other activities without fear or any form of intimidation from anyone”.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has deployed police officers throughout the country to maintain law and order.”

“Any form of unlawful political gatherings will be dealt with by the police in terms of the country’s laws,” Nyathi said.-Zimlive

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday morning rejected allegations by the opposition that the 2023 presidential election was rigged in his favour.

He also said observer missions that criticised the country’s laws “overstepped” their mandate.

Mnangagwa addressed reporters at State House the morning after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced him as the winner with 52.6% of the poll, beating CCC’s Nelson Chamisa’s 44%.

Asked to respond to allegations by his competitors that the election was shameful and neither free nor fair, Mnangagwa said:

“I can assure you that I did not conduct the elections. I competed with them in this race to win the elections.

“Those who feel the race was not run fairly, should know where to go to complain.

Zimbabwe’s 2023 Harmonised Elections were criticised by the SADC observer mission, which said some parts of the electoral process fell short of standards. SEOM head Nevers Mumba said:

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) printed 7,126,600 ballot papers against a voting population of 6,623,511 eligible to take part in next Wednesday’s harmonised elections.

This was revealed in a notice by the poll management authority’s chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana concerning data on balloting material set to be used in the crucial poll.

Silaigwana also said 7,098,750 ballot papers were being printed for the national assembly vote while 6,854,259 were set for local authority polls.

ZEC said the balloting material was being printed at Mining and Printing Company of Zimbabwe (MPCZ) which is found at Number 1, George Drive, Msasa, Harare.

Silaigwana said “a total of seven million one hundred and twenty-six thousand, six hundred (7,126,600) presidential ballot papers” were being printed.

“…Seven million and ninety-eight thousand, seven hundred and fifty (7,098,750) national assembly ballot papers, and;

“…Six million eight hundred and sixty-one thousand, six hundred and fifty (6,861,650) local authority ballot papers have been printed for the conduct of elections on the 23rd of August 2023.”

The top ZEC official said the numbers of ballot papers allocated to each province were as specified in the published schedule.

He said ZEC calculated a 3 percent contingency for each polling station.

Silaigwana also explained reasons behind the differences in the number of ballot papers being printed for the three-tier election.

“With respect to the national assembly election an independent candidate for Gutu West National Assembly passes away and the election will be conducted on a later date,” he said.

“…With respect to the local authority election, no election will be held in 91 wards because the candidates for those wards were returned unopposed and while 4 candidates passed away and the ward elections will be conducted on a later date.”

Silaigwana said for the presidential ballot papers, there is a total of 6,623,511 voters with ZEC factoring in a 7, 6 percent contingency.

For the national assembly ballot papers, there is a total of 6,597,865 voters. ZEC factored in 7, 6 percent contingency.

For local authority elections, a total of 6,604,462 voters and a contingency of 3, 5 percent was calculated.

Postal voting has already commenced with police officers voting ahead of the plebiscite.

The window is extended to citizens who carry out essential services on voting day.

These include members of the security forces and healthcare workers.-zimlive

Popular comedian and musician, Mai TT, is set to have a physical interaction with her fans this week as she attends the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, according to Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) national spokesperson, Superintendent Meya Khanyezi.

Supt Khanyezi announced that the ZPCS stands would be filled with various activities throughout the week, including performances by inmates and Mai TT herself. The ZPCS Chivaraidze traditional dance group, which recently received an award at the Chibuku Neshamwari, will also be showcasing their talents. Additionally, attendees can look forward to horse riding and other exciting attractions.

One of the highlights of the event will be a polished tree trunk crafted by inmates, emphasizing the importance of waste management. The inmates have created numerous items from waste materials, which will be on display and available for purchase. Superintendent Khanyezi encouraged people to support the inmates by buying their wares.

Furthermore, Khanyezi highlighted that the ZPCS is renowned for its farming activities. Visitors to the agricultural show will have the opportunity to witness the impressive breed of cows and bulls, as well as observe the maize yields.

Mai TT, known for her large fan base, is currently serving a nine-month sentence after being convicted of theft involving trust property. She had used a hired car as collateral for a loan. Her sentence is expected to be completed in December.

By A Correspondent- United Nations secretary general António Guterres is “concerned” about developments in Zimbabwe after President Emmerson Mnangagwa claimed a controversial re-election, his office said on Sunday.

Mnangagwa was declared winner of last Wednesday’s vote with 52.6 percent, but his main rival Nelson Chamisa, who obtained 44 percent, said the results were “not genuine” and has vowed to release his own party’s tallies.

Foreign observer missions have unanimously characterised the election as skewed in Mnangagwa’s favour and concluded that it did not meet the standards set by Zimbabwean law, regional and international bodies.

“The secretary general is closely following developments in Zimbabwe’s elections. He is concerned about the arrest of observers, reports of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion,” said Florencia Soto Niño-Martínez, a spokesman for Guterres.

“The secretary general calls on political leaders and their supporters to reject any and all forms of violence, threats of violence, or incitement to violence, and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected.

“The secretary general calls on political actors to peacefully settle any disputes through established legal and institutional channels, and urges the competent authorities to resolve any disputes in a fair, expeditious, and transparent manner to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the will of the people.”

Chamisa alleged “blatant and gigantic fraud” in the election and has vowed to release his own party’s tallies to prove that he won the election.

“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission regrettably and once again failed to perform its constitutional mandate by not announcing the correct and accurate results. Notwithstanding the flaws of the election, genuine results should have been announced, and we have the genuine results,” Chamisa told a news conference in Harare.

“There’s going to be change in Zimbabwe, whether Zanu PF people want it or not. It’s not going to be easy, but we must change. We will not wait for 5 years, there has to be change now. We will put a full stop to this madness, whatever it takes.”

The election “has not passed the test of constitutionality, legality and legitimacy,” Chamisa said, describing it as a “sham.”

Mnangagwa denied the election was flawed as he defended his victory.

“I did not conduct these elections. I think those who feel the race was not run properly know where to go to complain. I am so happy,” he said at a news conference Sunday, adding that the elections were run “transparently, fairly in broad daylight.”

International election observers have noted problems with the election, citing an atmosphere of intimidation against Chamisa’s supporters and voter suppression in the opposition’s urban strongholds after ballot papers were delivered late.

The election observers said they had specific concerns over a ruling party affiliate organisation called Forever Associates of Zimbabwe that they said set up tables at polling stations and took details of people walking into voting booths. The head of the African Union observer mission, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, said the FAZ activities should be declared “criminal offences.”

Zimbabwe has a history of disputed and sometimes violent elections in the more than four decades of Zanu PF rule, most notably under autocratic former president Robert Mugabe, who was leader for 37 years and oversaw a period of economic collapse that gained Zimbabwe international notoriety.

Rights abuses under Mugabe also resulted in the United States and the European Union applying sanctions on Zimbabwe for alleged human rights abuses. Those sanctions are largely still in place.

Mugabe was removed from power in a military-led coup in 2017 and replaced with Mnangagwa, his former vice president. The coup was widely popular and celebrated as a new dawn, but while Mnangagwa promised an era of freedom and prosperity, critics allege the former guerrilla fighter nicknamed “the crocodile” has become more repressive than his predecessor.-ZimLive

HARARE Residents Trust (HRT) has berated the ongoing abuse of Mupedzanhamo flea market by alleged Zanu-PF-related space barons, saying the ruling party lacks the will to discipline the rogue elements.

The City of Harare claims that the Joint Operations Command, the supreme organ which co-ordinates the country’s security, is blocking the reopening of Mupedzanhamo flea market.

The market, which falls under the city’s administration, has been officially closed since the COVID-19 era following violent skirmishes between the opposition and ruling party supporters over spaces.

Though officially closed, Mupedzanhamo is now operating as a food stall and parking area.

Speaking during a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists  Press briefing recently, HRT director Precious Shumba said: “When we look at the well-being of the illegal sector especially in Mbare, there is not much change because it looks like even political parties are scared of these vigilante groups.”

“Mupedzanhamo has been closed since 2020 to 2021. Inside there are people who conduct cooking business, there are people using it as a car park and charging a fee, but it is an asset of the city of Harare.

It was closed by the late Minister Oliver Chidawu and the current secretary for devolution affairs Tafadzwa Muguti. It has not been opened due to these vigilante groups.”

Shumba said the vigilante groups pledged their allegiance to Zanu-PF, but essentially they are just thugs taking advantage of the situation.

“We believe Zanu-PF (protects) these people for their campaigns. The issue lies around the willingness of the ruling party to stop their groups from doing what they are doing.

“At Mbare police stations, we have engaged several officers and they have washed their hands off  the (issue),” Shumba said, calling on political parties to engage residents in different communities when formulating their manifestos to help solve such issues as the Mupedzanhamo market.

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume told NewsDay that there was an action plan to ensure the restoration of Mupedzanhamo.

“We are going to come up with a new design and order in Mupedzanhamo just as we have done with Rufaro Stadium. The whole area is going to be urbanised or rather modernised,” he said.

“As for the illegal activities our development control unit will do its best to clamp down on those,” he said.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Mutare Central Zanu-PF losing candidate Esau Mupfumi has broken his silence over his defeat to Citizens Coalition for Change’s Brian James in last week’s parliamentary elections, saying he lost to sellouts.

The Zanu-PF central committee member said his supporters should not be discouraged by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s clean sweep of all the 19 council seats.

In an interview yesterday, Mupfumi, a transport mogul, expressed gratitude to all those that voted for him in the just ended harmonised elections.

“I greatly appreciate your support, faith and  confidence in me but the outcome was unexpected after all the efforts. I extend my sincere thanks to the campaign teams, loyal supporters, party leadership and all party structures,” he said.

Many of you spent hundreds of hours contributing to the campaign and I sincerely thank each of you. The majority of people in Mutare Central have chosen to sell out the country that our forefathers and mothers fought and died for in the liberation struggle.

“This country did not come on a silver platter, it was paid for in full measure and ultimate sacrifice of blood and life but the majority has sold out for a plate of porridge.”

Mupfumi carried out various developmental projects in the constituency ahead of polls.

Zanu-PF candidates in Mutare urban also lost in parliamentary elections. In Chikanga constituency, Kenneth Muchina lost to CCC candidate Lynette Karenyi Kore while in Dangamvura Clyde Jani was outpolled by Prosper Mutseyami.

CCC is now assured that the next mayor will come from the opposition party.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A 24 year old artisanal miner allegedly stabbed a kombi driver to death after refusing to pay a kombi fare from city to Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo.

Police said the suspect, Liberty Ncube who is an artisanal miner in Inyathi, was in the company of Nkosilathi Sibanda, who is still at large, when they fatally attacked Mr Simbarashe Chabata on Saturday night.

Ncube has since been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.

Mr Chabata was a rank marshal at an area between Luveve Road and Ngcebetsha Street in Nguboyenja.

On the fateful day, Mr Chabata was driving a kombi, which he had borrowed from a friend.

Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident yesterday.

He said Ncube and Sibanda boarded the kombi that Mr Chibata was driving in the city enroute to Cowdray Park at around 10pm.

Insp Ncube said along the way Ncube and Sibanda refused to pay the fare prompting Mr Chabata to stop the vehicle so that he could collect the fares.

He said before Mr Chabata could disembark from the vehicle, Ncube stabbed him on the left shoulder and palm.

Insp Ncube said other passengers left the kombi and fled in different directions fearing for their lives.

He said Mr Chabata also tried to flee from the two suspects but they caught up with him about 20 metres away from the vehicle and stabbed him again.

Insp Ncube said after the attack the accused ran away but members of the public managed to apprehend Ncube.

“Mr Chabata sustained injuries and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where he died upon admission.

“We have arrested Ncube, an artisanal miner operating in Inyathi area. His accomplice Sibanda fled after committing the crime and we have launched a manhunt,” said Insp Ncube.

He said Ncube is expected to appear in court soon facing murder charges.

Insp Ncube appealed to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Sibanda to contact any nearest police station.

By A Correspondent- Two million registered voters did not vote out of the approximately 6,6 million eligible to participate in the recent harmonised elections, with political analysts blaming it on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) and the shadowy group, Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ).

Announcing election results on Saturday evening, Zec said 68,9% of the registered voters turned out to vote.

“About 6 619 691 people registered to vote, 4 561 221 total votes cast and 2 062 290 registered voters did not vote, 92 553 ballots were spoiled and 4 468 668 were valid votes,” Zec said.

In interviews yesterday, political analysts blamed the low turnout on the delay by Zec to distribute council ballot papers.

They also fingered the Zanu-PF affiliate and Central Intelligence Organisation-linked, FAZ, for intimidating potential voters.

FAZ operatives were stationed at most polling stations in rural and urban areas conducting what they termed “Exit Poll Survey”.

Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust executive director, Ignatious Sadziwa attributed the voter apathy to the heavy presence of FAZ at the polling stations.

“We attribute that to heavy intimidation witnessed in most rural areas where FAZ was deployed to scare villagers. Delays in the arrival of voting material in most urban polling stations also discouraged most voters from participating,” Sadziwa said.

He said the low turnout was a serious blow to the country’s democracy.

It raises questions about the legitimacy of the election and the ability of Zec to conduct free and fair elections. It also undermines the confidence of voters in the electoral process,” he said.

Election Resource Centre legal and advocacy officer, Takunda Tsunga, said the apathy was worsened by Zec’s lack of independence in the electoral process.

“While there had been general apathy in the build up to the election, the turnout was worsened by what seems to be systematic administrative efforts by the commission to deny citizens especially in urban areas equal opportunity to vote in the election,” Tsunga said.

Political analyst Effie Ncube said the elections were marred by confusion as people failed to find their names in the voters roll.

“People could not vote because they could not find their names in the voters roll, so they could not vote because they were redirected to other polling stations. They had to move from one polling station to another. Some gave up and went back home,” Ncube said.

He condemned FAZ for intimidating voters, saying it was a violation of the electoral law.

“No one should be allowed to intimidate anyone, whether they are political parties or non-governmental organisations because it renders elections not free and fair.

“An organisation like FAZ was involved in intimidating people. This reduced elections from being free and fair. People were denied the right to vote freely,” he added.

The international and regional communities also condemned the intimidation of voters by FAZ and called on Zec to independently address the issue.

In 2018, elections were marred by massive voter apathy owing to a lack of confidence in electoral processes, among other reasons.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalitions for Change (CCC) candidates for Mbare and Mutasa South constituencies have rejected the election results saying they were rigged.

Voting in Mutasa South constituency, Manicaland province, ended on Thursday night as most parts of the constituency had no ballot papers when voting commenced on Wednesday morning.

“This election was a sham,” Mutasa South CCC candidate Regai Tsunga said.

“People had to vote during the night on Thursday without the full view of the public and Zanu-PF took advantage and mobilised during the night using various unorthodox means like bussing people to vote.

“At Premier ward 25, there were disturbing incidents as Zanu-PF supporters were transported during the night. This was not a free and fair election at all.”

Zanu-PF candidate for Mutasa South Misheck Mugadza emerged victorious, according to preliminary reports.

Mugadza said he was not aware of the allegations of bussing supporters at night when contacted for comment.

Zanu-PF won at least 19 seats out of 26 in Manicaland province.

In Mbare, CCC candidate Starman Chamisa also disputed the results.

“I have been engaging the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) demanding a recount as I feel that I was cheated,” Chamisa said.

“However, even if I don’t make it into Parliament, I can still work with my people because they had hope in the CCC.”

The elections were marred by irregularities, among them the late delivery of ballot papers.

Yesterday, the Southern African Development Community observer mission released a damning report saying the polls did not meet the regional standards and guidelines regarding the holding of free, fair and credible elections.-Newsday

President Mnangagwa has said he is humbled by the confidence Zimbabweans have shown in him, following the announcement of his re-election into office last night.

The President said that he would continue leading the nation forward leaving no one and no place behind, adding that Zimbabwe shall forever be a united and peace loving nation.

In his address, the Head of State said Zimbabwe’s primary thrust in the next five years would be consolidating the country’s food security.

Responding to questions, President Mnangagwa asked foreign observer missions to not involve themselves in the country’s legislative processes and question its legislation.

— Herald

SADC Expresses concern on statements made about its Electoral Observation Mission
in Zimbabwe and the personal attacks to its Head of SEOM following the release of its
Preliminary Statement on Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections 26 August 2023, Gaborone, Botswana:

The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has noted with deep concern, statements made about the SEOM and the personal attacks directed at the Head of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Dr Nevers Mumba, the former Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, since the SEOM released its Preliminary Statement on 25 August 2023. Some of these statements and attacks which have been aired on television, social media and newspapers are crude, scurrilous and misleading.

The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) is currently in the Republic of Zimbabwe to observe the electoral process of the 23-24 August Harmonised Elections in line with Article 3 of the Revised SADC Principles and Guideline Governing Democratic Elections (2021).

The Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, appointed Dr. Nevers Mumba to lead the SEOM in Zimbabwe.

The SEOM is mandated to observe elections in terms of the SADC Principles and
Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, and all SADC Member States, including the
Republic of Zimbabwe, are signatory to these principles, which have been operational since 2004.

All SADC Member States send individuals to serve as observers under the SEOM. For
the August 2023 Harmonised Elections in Zimbabwe, observers were seconded from the
Republic of Angola, the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of
Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa,
the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Zambia. Based on observations made by the observers who were deployed to all the provinces of Zimbabwe, and consultations with stakeholders, the SEOM issued its Preliminary Statement.

This statement is a summary of initial findings adopted after consultations with Member States who form the SADC Organ Troika, supported by advice from the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC), and with support from the SADC Secretariat. Therefore, the SEOM Preliminary Statement is a collective observation position of SADC Observers, Troika Members, SEAC, and the SADC Secretariat and not a subjective opinion of one individual.

The SEOM remains on the ground to observe the post-election environment and to prepare
and adopt a final report on the electoral process in Zimbabwe, still following the SADC
Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

SADC reiterates its call for the people of Zimbabwe to remain calm and peaceful and use the legal system in case of any dispute regarding the outcome of the Harmonised Elections. The SADC also calls upon all to exercise responsibility and decorum in how they express opinions regarding the electoral process and the SEOM in general.

For enquiries:
Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations, email [email protected] , Ms.
Anethe Mtambanengwe, Email: [email protected] and Magabolle Mafiri, Email:
[email protected] or email [email protected]
…………….…………………………………………………………………………………..
SADC in Brief

SADC is an organisation of 16 Member States established in 1980 as the Southern African
Development Coordinating Conference (SADCC) and later, in August,1992 transformed into the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The mission of SADC is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through efficient, productive systems, deeper cooperation and integration, good governance and durable peace and security; so that the region emerges as a competitive and effective player in international relations and the world economy. Member States are Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Issued by the SADC Secretariat 26 August, 2023
Gaborone, Botswana

Former Zimbabwe Minister, during the late and former President Robert Mugabe cabinet, Saviour Kasukuwere says the election results do not reflect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on Saturday night, declared Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner of Wednesday’s national elections.

Kasukuwere was disqualified from contesting the presidential position by the high court, and the Constitutional Court upheld the judgement by the high court.

He says the regional body, Southern African Development Community (SADC) declared the elections null and void.

“The results are pre-determined outcome especially how we have seen arrangements done in the beginning, were opponents were chosen and others disqualified in various strategies. We are not surprised because the region was saying that Mnangagwa must have a second term.”

Former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo, who is currently in exile, has expressed admiration for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for successfully managing the country’s elections despite facing numerous challenges. Moyo commended ZEC for maintaining its integrity and serving the best interests of all Zimbabweans.

In an X post, Moyo emphasized the importance of fairness and impartiality in the electoral process. He criticized those who expected ZEC to align with their personal agendas, stating that a team that consistently harasses the referee in every match does not deserve to be part of the league. Moyo stressed that fair play is essential for every participant to have an equal chance of winning, regardless of their background or cause.

Moyo highlighted a specific instance where ZEC demonstrated its responsiveness and effectiveness. In a court case, ZEC vigorously defended the nomination of 12 parliamentary candidates against allegations of late filing. Moyo praised ZEC for its robust support, stating that without their intervention, these candidates would not have been able to assume their positions in Parliament.

Furthermore, Moyo recognized ZEC’s commitment to resolving issues that arose during the election. He commended the commission for taking responsibility for its mistakes, promptly addressing delays in the opening of polling stations and ballot paper shortages. Moyo appreciated ZEC’s willingness to acknowledge and rectify these issues, which he believed demonstrated a positive shift in the commission’s attitude compared to previous elections.

While acknowledging that some things did go wrong, Moyo argued that ZEC cannot be faulted for occasional errors. He cited Murphy’s Law, which states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, but praised ZEC for taking responsibility and making genuine efforts to rectify the situation. Moyo asserted that ZEC’s responsiveness and willingness to apologize marked a significant improvement and a positive turning point in the commission’s performance.

In conclusion, Moyo expressed confidence that ZEC’s conduct in the 2023 election signifies a positive change and sets the stage for future improvements. He encouraged ZEC to maintain its responsiveness and continue enhancing its performance in conducting fair and transparent elections.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reliance on a shadowy organisation to spearhead his re-election campaign has come back to haunt him after foreign observer missions cited it as one of the plethora of things that marred the August 23 elections.

The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) led the stinging rebuke on the conduct of the polls as it flagged the role of Forever Associates Zimbabwe (Faz), an organisation believed to have links with state security organs.

Faz was accused of intimidating voters after it set up tables outside polling stations where it took down names of voters.

It was also in the forefront of Zanu-PF’s election campaigns where there were reports of intimidation and even violence against opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters.

Mnangagwa is said to have turned to Faz to coordinate his re-election bid due to mistrust of internal party structures as divisions rocked Zanu-PF.

Sadc election observer mission head Nevers Mumba, who is also former Zambian vice-president, was unequivocal in his criticism of Faz operations.

 “In previous stakeholder consultations, a shadowy organisation referred to as Faz was accused of conducting a countrywide exercise of electoral intimidation,” Mumba said.

“Our observers confirmed the existence of this group as its officials or agents were easily identifiable at some polling stations as they were dressed in regalia emblazoned with the Faz name and were accredited as local observers.

“These and other unidentified persons, who were not polling officials were also observed taking down the names of voters before they cast their votes.

“In some areas, voters were intimidated by the actions of these individuals.”

The European Union Election Observer mission (EU EOM) said the elections fell short of regional and international standards due to acts of violence and intimidation by Faz members.

 “We noted that there was heavy presence of FAZ, which was allegedly recording details of those who were voting,” said EU EOM chief observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo.

“The EU Election Observation Mission concludes that curtailed rights and lack of level playing field led to an environment that was not always conducive to voters making a free and informed choice in Zimbabwe’s 2023 harmonised elections.

“The passing of regressive legal provisions and acts of violence and intimidation resulted in a climate of fear.”

The Commonwealth observer group also condemned the presence of Faz at polling stations.

“We observed, and received various reports, that an NGO called Faz had set up ‘exit poll survey’ tables in close proximity to polling stations, with governing party regalia,” the group said.

“From our briefings with other civil society organisations and stakeholders, it was made clear that exit polling is currently not permitted within the legal framework of Zimbabwe.”

The United Kingdom embassy in Harare said: “Observer missions also noted long delays in the opening of polling stations in some urban areas, as well as allegations of intimidation by the Zanu-PF-aligned Faz.”

A local think-tank, Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI) accused Faz of wanting to hijack electoral processes to rig the polls on behalf of Mnangagwa.

“Zanu-PF party deployed a quasi-military NGO called the Faz to infiltrate (the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, interfere with administration of elections and disperse manipulation and intimidation across the rural areas on behalf of Zanu-PF,” ZDI said.

“The deployment of state security apparatus is expressed through manipulation and partisan use of the military and shadowy security sector-linked bodies by Zanu-PF to achieve electoral victory.”

Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust executive director Ignatious Sadziwa said he did not see Zanu-PF disbanding Faz.

“Zanu-PF survives on dirty tactics and Faz antics fit well in their game plan,” Sadziwa said.

 “I don’t think they will disband the outfit because of backlash from observers.

  “They will rather endure presiding over sham elections at all costs as long as they stay in power.”

Political analyst Romeo Chasara echoed the same sentiments.

“The presence of Faz is a serious threat to the integrity of the elections,” Chasara said.

“I think it’s highly unlikely that Faz will be disbanded.

“It is going to be used to whip into line the rural people, so that Zanu-PF controls its strongholds where CCC has penetrated.”

On Friday, Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa defended Faz as a duly registered ruling party affiliate group.

-standard

Some of the presidential candidates in Zimbabwe’s 2023 Harmonised Elections held on 23 and 24 August have conceded defeat after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared ZANU PF candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner.

According to ZEC, Mnangagwa had 2,350,711 votes which translates to 52.6%, beating his closest competitor Nelson Chamisa who received 1 967 343  which translates to 44% of the total votes cast..

The other candidates in the presidential race were Joseph Makamba Busha (Free Zim Congress), Trust Chikohora (ZCPD), Blessing Kasiyamhuru (ZIPP), Lovemore Madhuku (NCA), Wilbert Mubaiwa (NPC), Gwinyai Henry Muzorewa (UANC), Douglas Mwonzora (MDC), Elisabeth Valerio (UZA), and Harry Peter Wilson (DOP).

Speaking to The Sunday Mail soon after the announcement of the results, Muzorewa, who was represented by his secretary-general, Michael Nyamande, said “We, as the UANC party, are very happy with the outcome”.

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) representative Robert Mhlanga said:

We need to move forward as Zimbabwe, as that is the most important thing. This is what we want as Zimbabweans.

We need so much peace, irrespective of whatever failings we might have. Peace is the best thing moving forward.

Zimbabwe Coalition for Peace and Development (ZCPD) president Trust Chikohora, who polled 10 230 votes, said he accepted the results. He said:

It’s an expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe at this point in time. We take this opportunity to congratulate President Mnangagwa and ZANU PF on their victory and we wish them well as they govern this country in the next five years.

It is against this background that ZCPD stands ready to work with the elected Government to improve the lives of our people, as well as deepen our democracy in the next five years.

We will do this guided by the following principles: constitutionalism and the rule of law; national values and principles of good governance; devolution; peaceful co-existence and tolerance of divergent views.

A representative of the Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP), which is led by Kasiyamhuru, said:

We accept these results, everything was done in a peaceful manner and we should applaud that.

We were all given a chance to verify our results and we are happy with what we saw.

What we now need is peace in the country so that we move. We need to work together to move forward.

However, CCC has rejected the results of the 2023 presidential election announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Saturday night, saying they did not align with the evidence from V11 forms.

By A Correspondent- State security agents have been accused of forcing polling agents and observers to amend V11 forms used in the 23 and 24 August Harmonised Elections elections amid allegations of rigging.

The V11 forms are signed by all polling agents to confirm results per polling station.

The Elections Resources Centre (ERC), a civil society organisation (CSO), claimed that its observers are being harassed and ordered to sign new V11 forms. It said:

The observers informed our offices that they were being summoned to polling locations to sign new V11 results forms as there allegedly were errors on previous ones.

In other instances, they were summoned to surrender phones used to communicate with ERC offices on election day.

While the majority of observers have been contacted telephonically, the ERC notes concerning cases in Kariba, Karoi and Makoni where observers have been physically visited at their homes with these requests.

As per the legislative framework on elections, V11 forms by now should be sealed in boxes, which contain election residue and cannot be reopened unless someone requests a recount.

Further, it is through an election petition that the court orders the reopening of election residue to solve an electoral outcome dispute.

CCC deputy elections officer Ellen Shiriyedenga told The Standard that the party has instructed its polling agents to report to their polling stations, but not to sign new forms. She said:

We said that they should go, but what’s important, however, is that once results were declared and announced, no change should be made to the V11 or the V23 forms, which is contrary to what has been declared.

They will go, but they will not sign or agree to have ballot boxes reopened.

We told them that they should refuse unless it is a question of clerical errors and not any alterations as projected in the V11 and V23 forms.

Last week, Police arrested 39 ERC and Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observers on charges of planning to prematurely announce election results.

The observers were granted US$$200 bail each on Friday.

The arrests were condemned by the United Kingdom and United States embassies as well as by some election observer missions.

By James Gwati-The leader of the opposition CCC, Nelson Chamisa has refused to endorse Emmerson Mnangagwa as the elected President of Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa told reporters Sunday that Chamisa did this by refusing to sign Presidential V11 forms soon after the presidential vote announcement.

Signing the V11 forms is an endorsement of the election results.

 Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa was announced the winner of the presidential election by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission last night.

ZEC officially declared Mnangagwa as the winner of the Zimbabwe 2023 presidential election, which took place on August 23-24. 

Zec said Mnangagwa secured 2,350,711 votes, which translates to 52.6%, while Nelson Chamisa received 1 967 343, which translates to 44% of the total votes cast.

The announcement signifies that Mnangagwa will serve another five-year term as the President of Zimbabwe, concluding in August 2028. The declaration was made by Justice Priscilla Chigumba, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In response to the results, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who represented Chamisa in the legal challenge of the 2018 presidential election results, urged the public to remain patient, stating that they would correct the outcome. He said:

Be calm Zim & maintain peace. As I said, this is the beginning of many beautiful things. ED loses against his own people & against his opponents. So how is he declared a winner? You can’t call this election a dog’s breakfast without insulting dogs. This shall be corrected.

Zimbabwe held elections on August 23, but voting delays led to an extension until August 24. International observers noted that despite a peaceful environment, the elections did not meet regional, continental, and international standards due to various irregularities. These included flaws in the delimitation process, late release of the Voters Roll, restrictive fees, disruption of opposition rallies, unconstitutional laws, disqualification of candidates, gender parity issues, concerns about judiciary independence, voter intimidation, controversial postal voting, and bias of state-owned media against opposition parties.

By-The legal team advising the opposition CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, has announced that they were calculating the next move after -the announcement of the presidential results in favour of Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission last night.

ZEC officially declared Mnangagwa as the winner of the Zimbabwe 2023 presidential election, which took place on August 23-24. 

Zec said Mnangagwa secured 2,350,711 votes, which translates to 52.6%, while Nelson Chamisa received 1 967 343, which translates to 44% of the total votes cast.

The announcement signifies that Mnangagwa will serve another five-year term as the President of Zimbabwe, concluding in August 2028. The declaration was made by Justice Priscilla Chigumba, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In response to the results, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who represented Chamisa in the legal challenge of the 2018 presidential election results, urged the public to remain patient, stating that they would correct the outcome. He said:

Be calm Zim & maintain peace. As I said, this is the beginning of many beautiful things. ED loses against his own people & against his opponents. So how is he declared a winner? You can’t call this election a dog’s breakfast without insulting dogs. This shall be corrected.

Zimbabwe held elections on August 23, but voting delays led to an extension until August 24. International observers noted that despite a peaceful environment, the elections did not meet regional, continental, and international standards due to various irregularities. These included flaws in the delimitation process, late release of the Voters Roll, restrictive fees, disruption of opposition rallies, unconstitutional laws, disqualification of candidates, gender parity issues, concerns about judiciary independence, voter intimidation, controversial postal voting, and bias of state-owned media against opposition parties.

By- The opposition CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa has dismissed the presidential results announced in favour of Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission last night.

ZEC officially declared Mnangagwa as the winner of the Zimbabwe 2023 presidential election, which took place on August 23-24. 

Zec said Mnangagwa secured 2,350,711 votes, which translates to 52.6%, while Nelson Chamisa received 1 967 343, which translates to 44% of the total votes cast.

The announcement signifies that Mnangagwa will serve another five-year term as the President of Zimbabwe, concluding in August 2028. The declaration was made by Justice Priscilla Chigumba, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In response to the results, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who represented Chamisa in the legal challenge of the 2018 presidential election results, urged the public to remain patient, stating that they would correct the outcome. He said:

Be calm Zim & maintain peace. As I said, this is the beginning of many beautiful things. ED loses against his own people & against his opponents. So how is he declared a winner? You can’t call this election a dog’s breakfast without insulting dogs. This shall be corrected.

Zimbabwe held elections on August 23, but voting delays led to an extension until August 24. International observers noted that despite a peaceful environment, the elections did not meet regional, continental, and international standards due to various irregularities. These included flaws in the delimitation process, late release of the Voters Roll, restrictive fees, disruption of opposition rallies, unconstitutional laws, disqualification of candidates, gender parity issues, concerns about judiciary independence, voter intimidation, controversial postal voting, and bias of state-owned media against opposition parties.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police said reports circulating on social media that there would be a curfew and disturbances in the country are false.

The police have also threatened to arrest people circulating these messages.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the situation was normal and peaceful.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police assures the nation that the security situation in the country is normal and peaceful. Police officers are conducting motorised and foot patrols in Central Business Districts, residential, industrial, and other areas in order to maintain law and order. “Therefore, the safety and security of Zimbabweans and visitors is certainly guaranteed. The Zimbabwe Republic Police dispels reports of a curfew or any form of disturbance in the country as peddled by some individuals and groups on social media,” he said.
He also dismissed earlier reports that police had blocked certain roads in and around the city as false.
“The police dismisses false reports claiming that certain roads in Harare are blocked by law enforcement agents. The public should feel free to conduct normal day-to-day activities not only in Harare but throughout the country. The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and groups who are peddling falsehoods bend on causing alarm and panic among the public that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
He said police deployments and presence in communities and Central Business Districts will continue throughout the country during the post-election period and beyond.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Promise Mkhwananzi – who has been arrested many times for his political activism – has dismissed police claims that he has a 2020 warrant of arrest for defaulting on court proceedings.

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police is seeking to detain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi for an outstanding arrest warrant against him issued back in 2020.

Mkwananzi, a prominent government critic and leader of the Tajamuka/Sesijikile pressure group was recently appointed CCC spokesperson, replacing Fadzayi Mahere.

Said Mkhwananzi: “Please be informed that I don’t have a warrant of arrest. I was cleared of all the flimsy charges that had been preferred against me. All these are lies, laughable desperation to intimidate and restrict people’s freedoms.”

In a statement, police Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi said Mkwananzi is facing incitement to commit public violence charges and defaulted court proceedings.

The statement was issued moments after suspected state security agents disrupted a press briefing by Mkwananzi and attempted to drag him away from the venue.

After losing in the 23-24 August elections, ZANU PF MP candidate for Chinhoyi Constituency, Thomas Chidzomba, took the surprising step of dismantling the equipment for a borehole he had drilled for the community. Initially, he had locked the borehole, but later he made the decision to remove the equipment altogether.

We do not know how much Chidzomba used to drill the borehole in Chinhoyi. While the cost can vary depending on various factors such as the depth of the borehole, geological conditions, and the drilling company hired, generally, it ranges from approximately US$3,000 to US$10,000 or more. 

Chidzomba received criticism from community members who viewed his actions as a sign of his lack of dedication to the people. People expressed disappointment, suggesting that individuals like him should not hold leadership positions. Some even suggested charging him for vandalism and requiring him to restore the borehole through community service.

In contrast, other unsuccessful ZANU PF candidates, such as Pedzai Scot Sakupwanya and Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, reportedly left the services intact. Sakupwanya even released a statement expressing his determination to fulfil the promises he made during the election campaign. He encouraged residents to reach out to his office for any assistance and pledged to support the winning opposition candidate in developing the constituency.

During election campaigns in Zimbabwe, politicians often undertake developmental projects to gain public support. These projects aim to address various societal needs and demonstrate the politicians’ commitment to improving people’s lives. Some examples include:

1. Infrastructure Development: Politicians may focus on building roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, and other public infrastructure. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and access to essential services.
2. Water and Sanitation: Efforts may be made to provide clean drinking water, construct boreholes, install water pumps, and improve sanitation facilities in communities lacking these basic amenities.
3. Agriculture and Rural Development: Politicians may support initiatives to boost agricultural productivity, such as providing farming inputs, irrigation systems, and training programs. The goal is to improve food security and income generation in rural areas. ZANU PF has been doing this for a very long time.
4. Education and Skills Development: Projects may involve building or renovating schools, libraries, and vocational training centres. Scholarships, bursaries, and educational resources might also be provided to enhance access to quality education and skills training.
5. Health and Social Welfare: Politicians may focus on improving healthcare facilities, supplying medical equipment, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines. In Mabvuku/Tafara, Sakupwanya is said to have brought doctors to treat residents of varying sicknesses free of charge. They may also support social welfare programs that address poverty alleviation and the needs of vulnerable groups.
6. Despite their efforts in implementing developmental initiatives, politicians can still face electoral defeat due to various factors. These include their personal history, the political party they represent, and the popularity of their opponents. Past controversies or perceived shortcomings can diminish voter trust, and corruption is a significant factor that drives voters to support alternative candidates. In the case of Sakupwanya, the Gold Mafia documentary by Al Jazeera, which implicated him in gold smuggling, may have impacted his electoral prospects negatively.
7. The reputation and standing of political parties can impact election results. Rural areas tend to support ZANU PF, while major cities lean towards opposition parties. This makes it challenging for opposition candidates in rural areas and ZANU PF candidates in cities, regardless of their qualifications.
8. Additionally, the charisma, popularity, and track record of opponents play a significant role. Winning elections requires a combination of effective policies, public perception, strategic campaigning, and the ability to connect with constituents.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Cde July Moyo won the Redcliff Constituency in the just-ended harmonized election after outclassing three other contestants including outgoing legislator Lloyd Mukapiko of Citizen Coalition for Change.

According to the result announced by Redcliff Constituency elections officer, Mrs Bhebhe Sibusiso, Mukapiko, who once worked for Redcliff Council in the cemetery department and is now popularly known as Gravedigger, garnered a total of 10 352 votes against Cde Moyo’s 12167.

Independent candidate Kasirowori Unique polled 211 while Shamirai Lister of United Zimbabwe Alliance polled 105.

Mukapiko had won by a mere 300 votes in the previous election.

n other results in Kwekwe District, Cde Edmore Samambwa garnered 14055 to retain the Zhombe constituency shrugging off competition from CCC candidate, Ntini Benson Judah who polled 7482.

In Silobela, Cde Jonah Nyevera of Zanu PF garnered 11 674 to win the constituency.

He outpolled independent candidate Munhazu Raphson who polled a total of 370, Ndebele Ephraim who amassed 610 and Ndlovu Ephraim who polled 7 783.

By A Correspondent- Regional body SADC’s Head of Delegation for its Election Observer Mission Nevers Mumba has drawn the wrath of ruling Zanu PF after laying into activities of quasi-security institution Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) in their preliminary report delivered Friday.

Mumba, a Zambian national appointed to the post by President Hakainde Hichilema, had outlined how the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) backed entity had been intimidating voters in rural and urban areas.

He raised queries with its setting up of ‘Exit Poll Surveys’ where those who would have voted were expected to fill in documents indicating how they had cast their ballots.

In a no-holds-barred address to journalists Friday evening, Zanu PF Spokesperson said they were calling Mumba to order, accusing him of hobnobbing with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) officials and targeting FAZ ahead of other civic society organisations.

Mutsvangwa went all out to defend FAZ operations, describing it as a Civic Society Organisation (CSO) focusing on security and likening it to colonial-era groupings that spied for Zanu PF and other revolutionary parties wherein he said, ‘if you did not know your enemy you would die.’

“We want to make it very clear the SADC Observer Mission is a product of members state of SADC and not administered by a particular individual who may become the head of a delegation, he is only in a delegated role.

“Without prior consultation with members of his mission and without them having given reports to their countries or secretariat he decides to delve into matters which have nothing to do with his mandate.

It is not the duty of a particular individual to arrogate to himself the role of a constitution review committee of Zimbabwe, so Mr Nevers Mumba, we call you to order if you have issues tell it to relevant institutions.

“He was seen hobnobbing and accosting himself with the CCC, he even goes further to try to make an issue about CSOs, choosing others in favour of others.

He favours the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) and others and castigates FAZ on the other hand, this is a bias. To make an issue of FAZ is to question the origin of this state.”

41 ZESN and Election Resource Centre (ERC) officials were arrested in the night of August 23 and later charged with attempting to announce results before ZEC.

The act has been condemned, with FAZ activities being compared to those which were known to be for observer work.

Mumba’s comments on FAZ and the country’s polls came as a surprise to many who were used to SADC not hesitating to give its stamp of approval for Zimbabwe’s usually contested elections.

He has however endeared himself with Zimbabwe’s online community, some of whom struggled to cast ballots on August 23 after Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) fumbled its process throughout the day.

Asked about the difference between FAZ and ZESN or ERC operations, Mutsvangwa added: “We are happy they were nipped in the bud because they wanted to abuse social media to create contestation based on falsehood about who has won and who has not when the referee is one.

“If ever there were zealous elements within FAZ, the police intervened and FAZ were told to march off and they complied.

“It is different when you have a collection of gadgets and safe houses and want to give your own version of the results of an election.”

— NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- Election Resource Centre (ERC) and Zimbabwe Election Support Network  (ZESN) staff members and volunteers arrested on allegations of attempting to post the general election results have been freed on US$200 bail each.

Bail was granted with stringent reporting conditions which will see them reporting to the police thrice a week.

They will be back in court on September 28 for their routine remand.

The group appeared before Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna also raising several concerns over the way they were arrested.

The 35 through their lawyer Alec Muchadehama said they were made to lie on their stomachs for over three hours by heavily armed officers and made to do humiliating actions despite their pleas to have their lawyers at the police station.

“The police were heavily armed with Ak47 rifles, truncheons, and other assortment of weapons swooped on the accused and arrested them in a dragnet style.

“That was around 8pm on the 23rd of August 2023. They were made to lie on their stomachs.

“Their cellphones and laptops as well as other gadgets they were using were taken away.

“At the point of taking, none of the accused were advised of the reasons why they were taking them. This is in violation of subsection 60 (i) (a) which requires that an accused must be advised of the reason why they are being arrested at the time of the arrest.

“The accused only came to know of these charges around 15:30 on 24 August when warned and cautioned statements were being recorded from them.

“The third complaint is that the accused were held incommunicado. Upon being taken illegally, the police seized each of the accused persons’ personal cellphones, Asked for the passwords, switched them off, and put them on flight mode before they took them away.

“The accused persons were not able to communicate with their spouses, relatives, legal practitioners, doctors, or anyone else. This is a clear violation of the Constitution which prescribes that an accused person must be able to communicate with the outside world upon arrest. Where they are unable to do so the State must facilitate communication, ” said Muchadehama.

The police went on to interview the accused in some instances taking videos of the accused persons.

“We visited Harare Central Police station on the 24th of August 2023 and police feigned ignorance regarding the whereabouts of the accused persons.

“We only managed to see the accused around 3 pm yesterday  (Thursday).

“The fifth complaint relates to the denial of food by the police. Since their arrest on 23 August up to now, the police have not provided the accused persons food yet it is their duty to do so.

“The sixth complaint is that upon their arrest, whilst the police were searching the place, the accused were made to lie on their stomachs for over three hours. When they were taken to CID HQ and CID law and order, they were not detained in cells. They were made to sleep on the floor without blankets, water, and proper ablution facilities. That kind of treatment is a violation of section 53 of the Constitution which prescribes that no one should be treated in a cruel manner or punishment.

“The following night they were taken to condemned cells. The cells were condemned by the Supreme Court. They are still in the state they were when they were condemned, stinky, no water, and full of bed bugs.

Muchadehama said it was embarrassing that the State had no actual charge for his clients.

“I can submit that the charges as currently framed are really grotesque and scandalous. They are not based on any reasonable suspicion that the accused committed any offence. This was a dragnet arrest.

“As you can see your worship from the charges. There is no complainant. ZEC has not complained. There is no government because it was devolved. Zanu-PF has not complained. No any other political party has complained so the police has outdone everyone …What the State is doing is prophesising.

“The accused did nothing to be arrested. The State’s case is weak, especially considering that they are saying it was just an attempt.”

The election monitors further demanded the arrest of Zanu-PF’s Patrick Chinamasa for defying the electoral law, a crime they are accused of.

Added Muchadehama: “Patrick Chinamasa specifically announced the results and nothing happened to him. He was not arrested so the police must not apply the law selectively. If other people are allowed to go free the same should be done to the accused.”

By A Correspondent- Police have blocked some major roads around Harare’s central business district as tension continues to build over the just ended elections.

The roads that were blocked are those leading to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) in downtown Harare and the Harare International Conference Centre, which is the command centre for the polls.

Armed riot police have mounted roadblocks in the area and water canons have been deployed near the command centre.

Driving schools that operate around the area have also been told to move away.

Zec is announcing results of parliamentary and local government elections from the constituency level while the presidential election result will be announced from the command centre in Harare.

Preliminary results started trickling in on Thursday with both the ruling Zanu PF and Citizens Coalition for Change claiming victory.

— NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Four suspected armed robbers were early yesterday morning apprehended by members of the public a few minutes after they had robbed and dumped a woman in the Mbare area.

The robbers, travelling in a Honda Fit, were apprehended after they were involved in an accident in Waterfalls area during a high-speed chase.

Of the four, three were seriously injured while one sustained minor injuries after their getaway car hit a tree.

The vehicle had a tyre puncture resulting in the driver losing control and hitting a tree.

They were later surrendered to officers at Waterfalls Police Station.

Police recovered several laptops, cellphones and various properties.

It is alleged that the gang had offered the woman a lift to the city centre before robbing and stripping her nɑked.

By A Correspondent- The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the arrest of election observers from the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) and the Election Resource Centre (ERC).

Police on Wednesday arrested 39 local observers for allegedly conducting an illegal parallel vote tabulation exercise.

UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, said the arrests were worrying and undermined the right to freedom of association.

“Greatly concerned by reports that the Election Resource Centre and Zimbabwe Election Support Network data centre was raided last night (Wednesday) and staff detained.

These organisations do vital human rights work monitoring if elections are free and fair. Attempts to intimidate them are very worrying,” Lawlor said.

Addressing a Press conference in Harare, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the ERC and Zesn were working with the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change to prematurely announce election results.

However, in a joint statement, ERC and Zesn dismissed the police claims.

Human rights groups have also criticised the arrest of the local observers saying it was an attempt to silence critics over the way the elections were conducted. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has said it will announce all the results within five days following the Wednesday polls.

Police and Zec have warned individuals, political parties and other groupings from announcing the results. In 2018, six unarmed civilians were shot dead in Harare as they protested the late announcement of presidential results.

— NewsDay