Zimbabwe elections neither free nor fair, says HRW
Updated | By AFP
An upcoming nationwide ballot in Zimbabwe will be held under a "seriously flawed electoral process" that does not meet global standards for freedom and fairness, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday.
The southern African country heads to the polls on August 23 to elect the president and legislature in what analysts expect to be a tense affair, marked by a crackdown and fears of rigging.
"Zimbabwe's authorities have yet again demonstrated a lack of respect for the basic freedoms necessary for a credible, free, and fair election," said HRW's senior Africa researcher, Idriss Ali Nassah.
The US-based rights group said the authorities had adopted repressive laws to muffle dissent and used intimidation and violence against the opposition.
The courts have been "weaponised" to target opposition politicians, while the election overseers lack impartiality, the group said in a report based on interviews with activists and politicians.
"The Zimbabwe government needs to take concrete measures before the election to meet its obligations under national and international law to allow people to vote free of intimidation, fear, and violence," Nassah said.
"So far nothing indicates the authorities are willing to do that."
Zimbabwe's government did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 80, who heads the ZANU-PF in power since independence in 1980 and forced out late ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017, is seeking re-election.
His main challenger is Nelson Chamisa, a 45-year-old lawyer and pastor.
MORE ON JACARANDA FM:
Show's Stories
-
Fans discover singer Sabrina Carpenter has a super famous aunt
The 'Feather' singer is related to one of the most well-known voices ever.
The Drive with Rob & Roz 6 hours ago -
WATCH: Grammy winner Tyla spotted shooting video in Johannesburg
"They ain’t never had a pretty girl from Joburg."
The Drive with Rob & Roz 7 hours ago