Question NW629 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
16 March 2023 - NW629
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What steps has the Government push (sic) for a fair electoral playing field in Zimbabwe that will guarantee free and fair elections as the Zimbabwe government, through its police service, is reported to have declined over 60 requests for public gatherings and political campaigns from the country’s main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change?
Reply:
The Government of the Republic of South Africa, through the SADC and AU Heads of Mission, continues to encourage all political parties and other role-players in Zimbabwe to adhere to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and to create conducive conditions for holding credible, inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections.
Upon the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, South Africa will observe the 2023 elections as a member of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission to Zimbabwe. South Africa will also form part of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) to assess the country’s readiness to hold the elections and to also evaluate the implementation of SEAC recommendations made after the 2018 elections.