EU observers list problems with Zimbabwe election, but African observers say it was orderly and peaceful
State media bias and mistrust in the electoral commission are noted by EU observers, as the delay in the final result creates domestic tension
Harare — On Wednesday, EU observers listed several problems in Zimbabwe’s presidential and parliamentary election, including media bias, voter intimidation and mistrust in the electoral commission. They also questioned delays in releasing the results. The EU’s assessment is critical in determining whether Zimbabwe can shed its pariah status as it could help attract investors and trigger an economic revival. Former president Robert Mugabe’s successor Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling Zanu-PF party and Nelson Chamisa of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were the main contenders in Monday’s election. The EU’s chief observer, Elmar Brok, said he did not yet know if the shortcomings would have a material effect on the outcome of the vote, and he criticised the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for being, at times, "one-sided". The EU did not understand why the release of the presidential result was taking so long, he said. "The longer it lasts that the results of the p...
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