FORMER Liberian President, Sirleaf Johnson, has urged Zimbabwe to uphold the African Union (AU) charter governing the holding of democratic elections.
In a statement under her organisation, the Presidential Centre for Women and Development, the first Liberian female president called for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.
“The African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance requires that every African government should protect basic human rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” Johnson said.
“To this end, we urge the government of Zimbabwe and all political leaders to uphold the sanctity of the AU shared values, the 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution, and the electoral process. In this regard, the government should reconsider and review repressive laws and other measures that stifle the diverse voices of its people.”
Johnson said reported cases of political violence were in violation of the charter.
“We are deeply concerned by the reports of political violence and other human rights violations in Zimbabwe in the lead up to the country’s general elections on 23rd August 2023. We, therefore, join Zimbabweans and all Africans in demanding that electoral processes across our continent are peaceful, transparent, inclusive and fair,” she said.
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Johnson urged authorities to protect the rights of people attending opposition party rallies.
“Fair electoral processes depend on citizens freely attending campaign gatherings and rallies without repercussions and fear for their well-being,” she said.
A fortnight ago, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist was stoned to death while fleeing from suspected Zanu PF supporters in Glen View, Harare.
The CCC was scheduled to hold a campaign rally in Glen View, but Zanu PF activists camped at the venue and allegedly triggered the violence.
Johnson also raised concern over the few women participating in this year’s polls.
“Women play an invaluable role in fostering peace and ensuring fair democratic processes, but the upcoming elections also demonstrate a concerning lack of women’s representation on the ballot.
“We call on the government and all political leaders to ensure that women’s voices are heard during the electoral process,” she said.
There is only one female presidential candidate, Elisabeth Valerio, who leads the United Zimbabwe Alliance. In 2018, there were four female presidential candidates.