The European Union (EU) delegation, tasked with observing the current Zimbabwe elections, have released a preliminary report, citing that although the political climate has improved, the playing field remains uneven, with citizens still distrusting of the polls.

Zimbabweans and the global community alike were hoping for a free and fair election following the removal of former president, Robert Mugabe, who had been accused of fixing votes during his 37-year rule.

Zimbabwe elections: Reports of voter intimidation

But if the EU’s preliminary report is anything to go by; the Zimbabwe elections have been marred by voter intimidation and an untrustworthy polling process.

This is according to Elmar Brok, EU chief observer and Member of Parliament. Brok noted that the pre-electoral process, which included voter coercion and media bias, would stand in the way of transparent and democratic results.

The EU chief commented on these dubious practices, saying:

“For Zimbabwe to embrace democracy and move on from the past, such practices must stop.”

Though, according to Brok, it’s not all bad news surrounding the Zimbabwe elections. The Chief Observer noted positives during the electoral campaign, namely the peaceful and enthusiastic conduct displayed by voters exercising their democratic rights.

EU calls for credible and transparent results

On the importance of these elections, Brok said:

“These elections were seen as a critical test of Zimbabwe’s reform process. In some senses, up to this point, the conduct of the polls has had a number of positive features, but in other sense serious concerns remain. Now we hope for a transparent results process.”

Questions surrounding the authenticity of results already released by the Zimbabwe elections commission have been asked by the official opposition party leader, Nelson Chamisa.

Earlier on Wednesday, the MDC leader accused the current governing party, Zanu-PF, of crooking votes in tandem with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

With the votes still being tallied for the presidential position – a two-horse race between Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nelson Chamisa – Brok has called for a credible and transparent results process, saying: