EU Suspends Financial Support to ZEC Amid Transparency Concerns
By Staff Reporter
The European Union (EU) has officially announced its decision to suspend a US$5 million financial support package destined for the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The EU’s decision comes on the heels of growing concerns raised by several international Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs) about the transparency and independence of ZEC during the 2023 harmonized elections.
The EU, which has been a prominent donor, has been providing crucial financial backing to a project managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at enhancing ZEC’s institutional and technical capabilities.
This project, scheduled to run until December 2024, is now under intense scrutiny due to the alarming preliminary statements made by various EOMs, including the EU EOM.
These statements have cast a shadow over ZEC’s handling of the electoral process, particularly regarding its independence and transparency.
Given the gravity of these concerns and in line with responsible management of EU development cooperation funds, the EU has initiated a process to suspend its financial contribution to this project.
In a statement released by the delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Zimbabwe, the EU emphasized the critical importance of electoral management bodies being impartial and transparent in carrying out their constitutional duties.
The EU firmly believes that for elections to be credible and inclusive, electoral commissions must earn the trust of the citizens they serve.
While the EU’s decision to suspend funding underscores its commitment to upholding democratic principles and electoral integrity, it also leaves the door open for future collaboration.
The EU stated that it remains willing to resume its financial support to initiatives aimed at strengthening electoral processes in Zimbabwe, provided they align with regional and international standards.
The suspension comes following the recent harmonised elections that were described as flawed by various observer missions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared winner after garnering 52,6 percent against his rival Nelson Chamisa who got 44 percent.
