BREAKING NEWS : Zimbabwe's electoral process crucial for regional development - Hichilema

AS Zimbabwean citizens prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming general election on this August 23, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has underscored the crucial role that the electoral process in that country plays.

Roles such as those advancing goals of regional economic, political, and social development. 

In a statement issued today, chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation President Hakainde Hichilema, expressed the significance of peaceful and transparent elections in promoting progress within the Southern African region.

President Hichilema emphasized that a fundamental tenet of the SADC community is the consolidation of democracy, which hinges on regular, credible, free, fair, and transparent electoral processes. 

The adoption of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections in 2004 marked a commitment to ensuring orderly political and economic transitions across member states. 

These principles aim to empower citizens and provide a peer-to-peer mechanism for effective governance.

In line with its commitment to democracy and transparency, SADC regularly deploys its Electoral Observation Mission to member states where national elections are held. 

The current focus is on Zimbabwe, where citizens are set to choose their political leadership in the forthcoming general election. 

President Hichilema wished Zimbabweans a peaceful and orderly electoral process but also called upon them to actively exercise their constitutional rights and participate in shaping the nation's future.

While acknowledging the challenges that can arise during electoral processes, President Hichilema's called for calm before the announcement of the election outcome.

"I encourage everyone to stay calm before the announcement of the election outcome. I wish the Zimbabwean people peaceful elections," said President Hichilema.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba August 22, 2023

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