THE repression of dissent in Zimbabwe has continued to undermine the integrity of elections and affects free participation in governance, civil society organisations (CSOs) have said.
The CSOs’ concerns come a year after Zimbabwe held disputed harmonised elections that saw authorities descend on their members who were arrested during the polls last year.
The government went a gear up in crushing dissenting voices amid fears of protests during the Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit held at the weekend, with over 165 political activists and human rights defenders in arbitrary detention.
The crackdown was condemned by numerous CSOs, which called for the immediate release of those arrested for simply exercising their constitutional rights.
In a statement yesterday, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) warned that the continued repression will only further cause the isolation of Zimbabwe and undermine its standing in the region.
“The continued repression by the State has a chilling effect on free participation in governance issues and undermines free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe.
“The ERC notes that ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections, there were widespread restrictions against open participation in elections, including the widespread use of the justice system to silence dissent,” the ERC statement read.
The electoral watchdog said the practice had, unfortunately, continued post-2023 harmonised elections, with the recent arrest of opposition leader Jameson Timba and 78 others on June 16 and 14 activists in Kariba.
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It also flagged the arrest of Zimbabwe National Students Union members in Belvedere, Harare, on July 14, and that of Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, Vusumuzi Sibanda and Robson Chere, who were pulled off a Victoria Falls-bound aeroplane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on July 31, allegedly held incommunicado by suspected State security agents for eight hours and tortured before being handed over to the police.
ERC said the repressive practices had a huge bearing on electoral integrity and the freeness of elections.
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust executive director Ignatious Sadziwa said the aftermath of the harmonised elections had been even more devastating.
“Crackdowns on opposition parties, civil society and independent media; arrests, detentions and torture of activists; and a deepening economic crisis that has left millions struggling to survive (have been more devastating),” he said.
“The government’s promises of reform and progress have proven hollow. The rule of law is in tatters and the country’s international reputation is in shambles.
“As we reflect on this painful anniversary, we remember the hopes and dreams of Zimbabweans who voted for change. We remember the bravery of those who stood up against oppression, despite the risks.”
Sadziwa said the government should take concrete steps towards releasing political prisoners, engaging in genuine dialogue with the opposition, implementing electoral reforms and respecting human rights and the rule of law.
“Zimbabwe deserves better. Its people deserve a government that serves them, not just the powerful elite,” he said.
