The SADC has described the July 31 polls as free, peaceful and generally credible, despite “some shortcomings”.

REPORT BY STAFF REPORTER

Head of mission regional blocs Election Observation Mission to Zimbabwe and Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bernard Membe yesterday said the election reflected the will of the people.

Listen to Bernard Membe delivering his report below:

“On Credibility of the election process, a lot has been said to the negative,” said Membe.

“There were so many other elements that when put together elevated the election to a credible status, the free election environment, the peaceful environment in which the election took place, unhindered and non intimidation of candidates and votes, free expression and campaigns, transparency and free voting constitutes the credibility under the prevailing circumstances particularly when compared to 2008 elections.

SADC Election Observer Mission head Bernard Membe and Australian Ambassador Matthew Neuhaus share a lighter moment after the SADC Election Report press conference.

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“Therefore this election was generally credible.”