Zimbabwe Election Observation a learning curve: Palestinian delegation

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Writes Lloyd Rabaya

The Palestinian Election Observation Mission has said that observing the Zimbabwean Election is also a learning curve as they will be witnessing all the procedures.

The Palestine Election Observation Mission is among other missions that are going to be the eyes and ears of the nation and the international community at large. Other missions include the African Union, the European Union, and the Southern African Development Committee (SADC).

Speaking to Spiked Online Media, the Palestinian Chief Electoral Officer, Hisham Kuhail, said covering the elections will be beneficial to them too as they go into the field.

“We are here not only to observe but also to share with Zimbabwe the experience. We are also here not only to see but to also look at the procedures and testify of what will be happening,” he said.

Kuhail also said they would like to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to work hand-in-glove in the future.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HE Tamer Almassri reiterated that Zimbabwe’s support is greatly appreciated for the Palestinian cause, even in their war with Israeli.

“We count on friendly countries like Zimbabwe to keep supporting the Palestinian cause. We look forward to stronger relationships between the Embassy of Palestine and the Government of Zimbabwe officials as well as different other organisations as well as the media who keep giving a word of support to Palestine,” he said.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been one of the most enduring, beginning in the mid-20th century, with the bone of contention being borders. With Israelis advancing their settlements into Palestinian land, an amicable agreement has been elusive but there are hopes for a truce.

The delegation is evidence of Palestine’s solidarity and support towards Zimbabwe’s Election and democratic process and will visit different polling stations to monitor the electoral process.

Prior to departing to their country, the delegation will make an assessment of the election process and will demonstrate that the state of Palestine is fully committed to a free, fair election process that produces credible results.