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SADC commends Zimbabwe for conducting referendum in peaceful manner.
17 Mar 2013 at 17:14hrs | Views
The SADC Electoral Observation Mission has released its preliminary report on the March 16 referendum and commended Zimbabwe for conducting the exercise in a peaceful manner.
The representative of the current SADC Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Mr Bernard Membe, who is also that country's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, delivered the report at the HICC this evening.
Mr Membe is leading the SADC observer team.
The report indicated that, despite minor challenges, the referendum was a success and credible and congratulated Zimbabwe for a peaceful referendum exercise.
The SADC observer team commended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for conducting the referendum procedurally, in particular the counting and collation of results at polling stations.
The SADC observer team urged the nation to maintain the peace that prevailed during the referendum as the country prepares for harmonised elections.
Amongst its recommendations, the mission called for the timeous availability of election funds and continuous voter education.
The SADC observer team deployed its members to all the country's 10 provinces.
The briefing was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao, ZEC Chairperson Justice Rita Makarau and other ZEC officials, several African and EU diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, accredited observers, representatives of political parties and local and foreign journalists.
The representative of the current SADC Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Mr Bernard Membe, who is also that country's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, delivered the report at the HICC this evening.
Mr Membe is leading the SADC observer team.
The report indicated that, despite minor challenges, the referendum was a success and credible and congratulated Zimbabwe for a peaceful referendum exercise.
The SADC observer team commended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for conducting the referendum procedurally, in particular the counting and collation of results at polling stations.
The SADC observer team urged the nation to maintain the peace that prevailed during the referendum as the country prepares for harmonised elections.
Amongst its recommendations, the mission called for the timeous availability of election funds and continuous voter education.
The SADC observer team deployed its members to all the country's 10 provinces.
The briefing was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao, ZEC Chairperson Justice Rita Makarau and other ZEC officials, several African and EU diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, accredited observers, representatives of political parties and local and foreign journalists.
Source - zbc
