On 23 August 2023, Zimbabweans will vote to elect councillors, members of parliament, and a president. Ambassador Amina Chawahir Mohamed, former Cabinet Secretary for Education and Foreign Affairs of Kenya, will lead a team of Commonwealth election observers to Zimbabwe for the upcoming election.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, constituted a Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) at the invitation of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Zimbabwe is currently undergoing a membership assessment process to rejoin the Commonwealth and this election marks a significant step in Zimbabwe’s democratic governance. This will be the second successive COG to observe the country’s harmonised elections since Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth in December 2003.
Approximately 6.6 million people are registered to vote in this year’s election and will have the right to cast their ballot for the presidential candidate and candidates for both houses of the national assembly, and local councillors.
Enduring Support for Democratic Governance
Commenting on the COG’s establishment, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC said:
“The Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering peaceful democratic governance is unwavering. Our engagement in Zimbabwe’s electoral process signifies our dedication to transparent, inclusive, and credible elections. By adhering to the principles of the Commonwealth Charter, we aim to promote transparency, reinforce democracy and the rule of law, and safeguard the right of the Zimbabwean people to participate in their nation’s democratic journey.”
Secretary-General Scotland acknowledged the commitment of the COG members to this important mission and extended gratitude to each observer for their willingness to serve the Commonwealth in this capacity.
Commonwealth Observer Group
Reflecting the diverse expertise and experience of Commonwealth member countries, the COG consists of 16 eminent individuals from various backgrounds, including politicians, diplomats and experts in law, human rights, gender equality and election administration.
The observers will be in Zimbabwe from 16th – 29th August 2023 and will be supported by a staff team from the Commonwealth Secretariat led by Joshua Setipa, Senior Director of the Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships and Digital Division. (End)