US doubts Zimbabwe will hold free and fair polls

In an interview with the Voice of America (VOA), US Department of State assistant secretary Molly Phee said there have been troubling patterns that affect the credibility of the polls.
The United States says free and fair elections in Zimbabwe are now in doubt because of the harassment of the opposition and blocking of rallies by police.

In an interview with the Voice of America (VOA), US Department of State assistant secretary Molly Phee said there have been troubling patterns that affect the credibility of the polls.

"We have seen a fact pattern over recent months that suggest a free and fair election is in doubt," Phee said.

"We have also seen opposition political parties and citizens actively harassed and prevented from exercising their political freedoms guaranteed in the Zimbabwean constitution."

The country is witnessing a surge in political violence.

Last week, an opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporter was killed while fleeing a Zanu-PF mob in Glen View suburb.

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa's convoy was also attacked in Mutasa.

Phee said there was a need for free and fair elections, accepted by both Zimbabweans and the international community.

"A free and fair election is what is expressed in the constitution of Zimbabwe," she said.

"We want to see a free and fair election where the voice of the people of Zimbabwe results in the selection of their leadership, not the US or any other external partner."

Phee said Washington had already communicated its concerns to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.

"And so, we hope that those observers are able to conduct their traditional duties to ensure that on the day of the election that voters are able to reach the polls freely, they are not harassed, and that the electoral process is conducted in a way that reflects the actual vote."

Phee also highlighted the United States' concerns over the much-criticised Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill, widely known as the ‘Patriotic Act'.

When asked about a similar law in the United States that penalises acts deemed treasonous, Phee said that while the legislation shares the same name, the content and intent differed significantly.

 "We do have legislation that shares the same name, but the content of the law is very different," she said.

Phee also said the biggest challenges for Zimbabwe's economy stemmed from decades of mismanagement, corruption, and repressive actions by government.