Election observation is imperative in the gathering of information regarding an electoral process, to assess whether the electoral process was conducted in accordance with the laws of the country, regional or international principles, standards and best practices. The information gathered provides an impartial and accurate appraisal of the electoral
environment and recommendations for improving electoral processes.

As part of its efforts to promote democratic elections in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) deployed trained observers to observe Local Authority by-elections on 22 October 2022 in Buhera Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 24, Guruve RDC Ward 4, Insiza RDC Ward 4, Matobo RDC Ward 2, Mutare Municipality Ward 18 and Takawira RDC Ward 6. The by-elections were held in accordance with Section 121 A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the passing on of councillors Saimon Chingwidze (ZANU-PF) of Ward 24 Buhera RDC; Tom Moyo (ZANU-PF) of Ward 2 Matobo RDC, Kudakwashe Chisango (MDC-A) of Ward 18 Mutare Municipality; Lencio Kafungura (ZANU-PF) of Ward 4 Guruve RDC, Johanes Kohli (ZANU-PF) of Takawira Ward 6 RDC and Lawrence Maphosa (ZANU-PF) of Insiza Ward 4 RDC.

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In the spirit of promoting democratic elections in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observed Local Authority by-elections on 22 October, 2022 in Buhera Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 24, Guruve RDC Ward 4, Insiza RDC Ward 4, Matobo RDC Ward 2, Mutare Municipality Ward 18 and Takawira RDC Ward 6. The by-elections in which the ruling party retained 5 out of 6 local authority seats were held against a background of violence which marred the electoral credibility of Ward 2 of Matobo RDC, Ward 4 of Insiza and Takawira Ward 6. The three Wards were heavily manned by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) security details as part of efforts to maintain law and order given the toxic political tensions that were rife during the campaign period. A few instances of electoral malpractices were observed at Takawira where ZANU-PF is reported to have mounted a campaign desk within the vicinity of the polling station.

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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has deployed 15 static observers and four (4) mobile observers in six (6) Local Authority by-elections which are; Buhera Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 24; Guruve RDC Ward 4; Insiza RDC Ward 4; Matobo RDC Ward 2; Takawira (RDC) Ward 6 and Mutare Municipality Ward 18. The vacancies arose following the death of Councillors Saimon Chingwidze (ZANU-PF) of Ward 24 Buhera RDC; Tom Moyo (ZANU-PF) of Ward 2 Matobo RDC, Kudakwashe Chisango (MDC-A) of Ward 18 Mutare Municipality; Lencio Kafungura (ZANU-PF) of Ward 4 Guruve RDC, Johanes Kohli (ZANU-PF) of Takawira Ward 6 RDC and Lawrence Maphosa (ZANU-PF) of Insiza Ward 4 RDC.

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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) implores political party leaders and their supporters to foster peace ahead of the 2023 harmonized elections. The call comes against the prevailing toxic political environment which has been characterized by a spate of inter-party as well as intra-party violence that occurred in Matobo and Insiza. These violent clashes have the potential to adversely affect the participation in democratic electoral processes of the electorate, particularly vulnerable groups.

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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has deployed 6 static observers in Mberengwa Ward 15 and Nyanga Ward 27 as well as observers at the Ward Collation Centres and a roving team to the local authority by-elections. The by-elections are being held in accordance with Section 121 A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the incumbent councillors for Mberengwa Ward 15 Ravasingadi Zhou of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and Collins Matongo of ZANU-PF party for Nyanga Ward 27 respectively.

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In line with its mission to promote democratic elections in Zimbabwe, ZESN observed local authority by-elections in the Mberengwa Rural District Council Ward 15 and Nyanga RDC Ward 27 local authority by-elections. The by-elections were held in accordance with Section 121 A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) councillors Ravasingadi Zhou and Collins Matongo for Mberengwa Ward 15 and Nyanga Ward 27 respectively.

Observation methodology

Pre-election observations were reported by ZESN observers who were deployed ahead of Election Day and who reside in their respective areas of deployment on Election Day.

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As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, running under this year’s theme, “End racism. Build peace,” the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) implores all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the 2023 Harmonized elections as part of efforts to enhance electoral integrity.

The International Day of Peace or Peace Day is observed around the World annually on 21 September. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) joins Zimbabwe and the World at large in commemorating the International Day of Democracy on this 15th day of September 2022 running under the theme, “Media freedom.” Democracy Day is celebrated annually to review the state of democracy in the world and uphold and promote democracy and its principles.

This day comes amid concerns on upholding and promoting media freedoms across the globe while at the same ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners from attacks such as assault, lawsuits, arbitrary arrests and detention, and incarceration that are unfavourable to freedom of expression.

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AS the country gears up for the 2023 harmonized elections, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) convened a virtual training workshop for 41 freelance journalists on 13 June 2022 to strengthen their capacities on election reporting as well as raise awareness on key electoral processes. The chief objective of the training workshop dubbed “Media training on electoral processes” was to equip them with knowledge of aspects of the whole electoral cycle and ensure that their reportage covers beyond polling day activities only.

In her opening remarks, the Acting ZESN Executive Director, Ellen Dingani, underscored the imperative role the media play as important electoral stakeholders in educating the masses on voter and political rights which in turn
allows citizens to participate in electoral processes and make informed decisions.

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