HARARE -- A team from the South African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) is in Zimbabwe to assess preparedness of the government to hold elections which are due later this year.
Briefing the media after a meeting with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo here Monday, the SEAC chairperson, Leshele Thohlane, said the week-long mission would assess the preparedness of the country for the forthcoming harmonized elections as well as offering advice and expertise on electoral issues.
During the visit we will also interact with election stakeholders, among them political parties, the media and then give an assessment on the republic's readiness before writing a recommendation to the region's
executive secretary, said Leshele.
Meanwhile, Moyo said Zimbabwe stood guided by the regional bloc on the best way to hold credible polls.
You have come at an appropriate time, even before there is any proclamation for elections. We stand guided by your advice which is for us to deliver what we desire as a government, to deliver credible, free,
fair and transparent elections, he said.
And in our culture as a sub region, we believe SADC is the most credible observer on elections, we value your technical advice and support."
For the first time in 20 years, Zimbabwean general election will have new faces as the main presidential contenders after the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe last November and death of opposition
leader Morgan Tsvangirai last month.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, representing the ruling Zanu PF, and Nelson Chamisa for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) are the new main contenders in the race, in which 80 other parties have registered to contest.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK
