SOME Zimbabwean activists and opposition party members have launched a petition for the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to move its summit scheduled for August from Zimbabwe to protest the disputed 2023 elections.
The petitioners argue that it is provoking and disrespectful to the people of Zimbabwe for Sadc to grace an “illegitimate authority” led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The Sadc election observer mission in its preliminary report said Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections did not meet regional and international standards on the holding of free, fair and credible polls.
Similar observations were also shared by the European Union and Commonwealth election observer missions which pointed out that the way the elections were conducted impacted the credibility and outcome of the polls.
More than 1 800 had signed the petition yesterday which is targeting 2 500 signatures.
“We, the undersigned citizens of Zimbabwe, having inherent birth right to Zimbabwe State and all its institutions, hereby petition your office on the following,” the petition read.
Zimbabwe is set to take over the Sadc chairmanship when the summit convenes at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
“In August 2023, there was a general election which was observed by Sadc and more organisations after being accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to give a comprehensive report on impartiality and compliance with laws of Zimbabwe by the electoral management body.
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“While it is common knowledge that the jurisdiction of conflict management is with Troika and Tanzania is the incoming chair of the organ, it is provoking and disrespectful to the people of Zimbabwe for Sadc to grace illegitimate authority and reward the breakers of law.
“It is our peace-loving expectation that Sadc respects our humility and enforce the obligations of the people's Constitution and restore legitimate authority in the country.
“We are determined to approach the UN Security Council should you fail to honour your obligations at an extraordinary summit of heads of State and government following a sham election which was condemned by both regional and international observers.”
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa, who challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the elections, dismissed the poll results.
He also refused to acknowledge Mnangagwa as the country’s legitimate leader.
