Question NW2487 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
28 June 2023 - NW2487
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether the Southern African Development Community assessed the preparation and build-up to the Zimbabwean government elections which are due to take place in August 2023 to ensure that the elections will be fair and transparent, noting that the Zimbabwean government has signed the Patriotic Bill into law; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
South Africa supports the implementation of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections through the work of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC). SADC deployed a SEAC Pre-Election Assessment Goodwill Mission to the Republic of Zimbabwe, from 12-19 April 2023, to conduct a pre-election assessment for the upcoming 23 August 2023 harmonised elections. A comprehensive report on the outcomes of the SEAC Goodwill Mission was shared with the Government of Zimbabwe. The Report is expected to be presented to the 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organ on 21 July 2023.