US calls on parties in Zim to commit to peaceful polls

The United States has called on all parties in Zimbabwe to commit to free, fair and peaceful elections.

This as the country prepares to vote in a presidential and parliamentary poll today.

In a statement released by State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the US government says the people of Zimbabwe deserve a chance to decide their future without fear of repression or intimidation.

It says Zimbabweans must be allowed to exercise their right to vote in line with the country’s constitution.

The statement says the United States believes the best route to peace and prosperity is for governments to respect the right of their citizens to vote and allow for peaceful and democratic political processes.

But it also raised concern about recent actions leading up to the polls, including political violence and legislation that the US argues curtailed human rights and freedoms enshrined in the country’s constitution.

Washington also condemned the denial of credentials for multiple international journalists and domestic civil society members to cover the elections in-country, and delays in election observation accreditation, while calling on the government of Zimbabwe and all political leaders to ensure the elections are free of violence and coercion.

Zimbabweans head to the polls:

Infographic: Fast facts on Zimbabwe Elections 2023