At the invitation of the Zimbabwean authorities, the European Union will observe the presidential and parliamentary (legislative and senatorial) elections scheduled for 23 August 2023 in Zimbabwe. The deployment of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), led by Fabio Massimo Castaldo MEP (Non-attached, Italian), begins in the first week of July.
“The EU EOM will contribute to enhancing citizens’ trust in the process and to further strengthening Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions. The Zimbabwean authorities have expressed their commitment to credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections (see EUROPE 12896/10). This is what is expected and the Zimbabweans deserve”, commented the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, on the evening of Thursday 29 June.
The mission’s core team of 11 electoral experts will be deployed to Hararé. Towards the end of July, 46 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country to monitor the election campaign. Forty-four short-term observers will assist them shortly before the vote.
Short-term observers recruited locally from EU Member States accredited to Zimbabwe could join the mission on polling day. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the end of the electoral process and will make its recommendations. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)