ZHRO PRESS STATEMENT
Date: 27 August 2023
On Wednesday 23rd August 2023, under the (claimed) administration of the 'Zimbabwe Electoral Commission' (ZEC), the Zimbabwe nation bore witness to an election marred by vote suppression, intimidation and intolerable abuse. The SADC report, along with the AU, EU UK and US observers, clearly highlighted these transgressions for the global community.
Despite these overwhelming difficulties, the resilient Zimbabwean people came forward in vast numbers, honestly casting their votes in the hope of a brighter and better future. For the sake of that elder woman who walked 2km and waited in line for two whole days to cast her vote, we will not rollover and accept fictitious lies.
However, tonight (the late evening of 26th August 2023), as ZEC declared their results, discrepancies have become glaringly apparent. The outcomes did not align with the evidence from the V11's recorded, a stark deviation that underscores the need for additional investigation.
It was as if ZEC had discarded all the original V11's and then fabricated "revised" V23's to suit the diktats of the Zanu PF regime and E.D. Mnangagwa in particular. E.D. Mnangagwa had even been offered "asylum" in Mozambique should he deem it appropriate, as at that time it was evident he was well behind in the polling. But no - 'old habits' die hard.
The absence of CCC's presidential candidate's Chief Election Agent's signature casts a shadow of doubt over the entire process. The questionable actions of some ZANU PF officials, who seemingly were privy to results in advance, further tarnish the credibility, fairness and transparency of these elections. We fear that this 'fundamental organ of democracy' can no longer be trusted to safeguard the votes made over the 23rd (and extended to) 24th August 2023.
The Election Observer Mission's preliminary report further echoes our concerns, pinpointing significant deviations from both national and international electoral standards. We unequivocally condemn the continued intimidation faced by CCC agents. Some were unjustly recalled by ZEC with the intent of amending the electoral results, an act that goes against the very essence of a democratic process. Reports of further abductions this evening also raises significant Human Rights concerns, and casts a dark shadow over the Zanu PF thugs involved.
In response to these challenges, CCC has initiated a comprehensive citizen's review of the vote count. Their endeavor is firmly rooted in hard evidence collected from all regions of Zimbabwe (V11 recording and sign-off). Their grassroots movement, made up of brave volunteers, endured intimidation, harassment, and violence. Yet, their commitment to uncovering the truth remains undeterred. ZEC's recent announcement only serves to galvanize their resolve.
In due course CCC will address the Zimbabwe nation, illuminating the path forward. Their allegiance to the millions of Zimbabweans advocating for trans-formative change is as steadfast as ever. They firmly believe that united, with truth as their guiding-light and justice as their goal, they can and will usher in the change Zimbabwe profoundly desires.
In closing. We appeal to all champions of democracy: Let's remain resolute in our collective pursuit. A new chapter in Zimbabwe's shared struggle awaits.
John Burke:
Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO)