Commonwealth group begins observation before Zimbabwe elections

The Commonwealth Observer Team began its assessment of the electoral process in Zimbabwe, prior to the July 30 general election.

Chaired by Ghana's former president, John Dramani Mahama, the group is comprised of 23 eminent personalities. people from all over the Commonwealth. They include legal and human rights specialists, as well as women, youth and the media.

"As independent observers, our mandate is to consider the factors that affect the credibility of the electoral process and according to the national, regional and international standards to which Zimbabwe is committed," he said. President Mahama in his arrival statement. "We will play our role impartially, independently and transparently."

Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003. In May, current President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote to the Secretary General for him ask to begin the readmission process. In the same letter, he asked the Commonwealth to observe the July elections. The final report of the group of observers will contribute to the informal assessment of the Secretary-General on the reintegration of Zimbabwe into the Commonwealth

. For President Mahama, Zimbabwe's commitment to democratic principles is particularly important. "It is here in Harare, in 1991, that Commonwealth heads of government issued a solemn declaration committing their countries to a set of principles, including democracy, the rule of law and the rule of law. independence of the judiciary, fair and honest government; and fundamental human rights, "he said

There are 130 registered political parties – of which 57 are going to stand for election – for the first time, four women are among the twenty-three candidates for election.

The two main parties in the running are the current ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the Movement for Democratic Change – Alliance (MDC Alliance).

Commonwealth observation missions assess whether electoral processes are credible and transparent, promote good governance, strengthen democracy, protect human rights and freedom of citizens to choose their leaders

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states, home to 2.4 billion citizens, 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The Commonwealth includes some of the world's largest ands, the smallest, richest and poorest in the world, covering five regions. 31 of its members are small states, many of which are island nations.