Follow ‘constitutional processes’ – UK urges aggrieved Zim opposition; agrees election flawed

By Staff Reporter

THE United Kingdom (UK) has urged “all parties and citizens to continue to follow constitutional processes” as Zimbabwe’s election dispute rages with the opposition calling for nationwide protest as it presses for a fresh vote.

In his statement Thursday, the UK’s minister for development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said; “The United Kingdom commends the people of Zimbabwe for demonstrating patience and resilience in exercising their democratic rights, and especially for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere on election day and beyond.

“We urge all parties and citizens to continue to follow constitutional processes in the coming weeks, allow space for inclusive dialogue, and act with restraint.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF party were declared victors by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) but the outcome was rejected by the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

International observers, including the regional SADC block, also condemned the poll as flawed despite voting having been peaceful.

The UK said it shared the concerns expressed by the observer missions.

“We share the view of the Election Observation Missions’ preliminary statements that the pre-election environment and election day fell short of regional and international standards,” said Mitchel in his statement.

“Issues included limited transparency from the electoral commission, the lack of level playing field, the passing of repressive legislation, long delays in the opening of some polling stations, and reports of intimidation of voters.

“The UK takes note of the announcement by the Chair of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of results on 26 August. However, we are concerned by a lack of transparency in the tallying of results, as well as the arrests of domestic observers.”

The Nelson Chamisa-led CCC party has yet to indicate whether it will file a Constitutional Court challenge against the results declared by the country’s electoral management body.

However, it has already demanded fresh elections and called protest scheduled to start Friday to press for a re-run of the vote.

Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF party have rejected observer missions’ reports and ruled out fresh elections, insisting that preparations were on course for his inauguration next week.