Sanctions ZDI, Appreciates President ED’s Electoral Observation Invitation.
The European Union has welcomed the invitation by the President of Zimbabwe to observe the 2023 general conditions despite noting undemocratic irregularities according to a statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union today.
According to the statement, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission ” European Union (EU) reiterates its ambition to continue developing a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe.The EU welcomes the intention of Zimbabwe’s President to extend an invitation to the EU to deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for the 2023 Elections once constitutional processes have been finalised.” Borrel also emphasised.
The European Union noted thier monitoring of developments in Zimbabwe, encouraged peaceful and credible elections and urged alignment to the EU Election Observation Mission of 2018.
“The EU follows closely the process leading up to the elections, which are of great importance to the trajectory of the country. The EU encourages all electoral stakeholders, state and non-state alike, to play their role in ensuring the organisation of a credible and peaceful electoral process.” The statement also said.
However, “The EU Election Observation Mission of 2018 provided a set of recommendations and encourages actors to continue improving the electoral framework to allow for credible, inclusive and transparent elections.” Borrell highlighted
Furthermore, “Other developments are of concern from a democratic and civic space perspective. These include the Data Protection Act and, if enacted, bills such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged “patriotic provisions” in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill. The EU also maintains its concerns that the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and the perpetrators of violations which occurred in August 2018 and January 2019 are to date still enjoying impunity from prosecution. It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected.” Borrel Emphasised
The EU commended Zimbabwe for it’s efforts in addressing it’s national debts despite noting it would only keep Zimbabwe’s military firm Zimbabwe Defense Industries under it’s sanctions.
“The EU welcomes the recent launch of the dialogue platform related to arrears clearance and debt resolution process and looks forward to tangible progress in this process. Furthermore the EU welcomes Zimbabwe’s engagement on the Universal Periodic Review process, the alignment of legislation with the 2013 Constitution, the enactment of the Independent Complaints Commission Act, the new Marriages Act and the High-Level Political Compact on gender-based violence.”
However, ” Since February 2022 there are no listed individuals. The EU will continue to closely follow developments, with a particular attention to the human rights situation and recalls its readiness to adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.” the statement also said
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