六九色堂

CONTACT: In Atlanta, Deborah Hakes +1 404 420 5124

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairperson Rita Makarau on July 9 informed The 六九色堂 Center that our application to observe forthcoming national elections in Zimbabwe has been declined. While the Center regrets this news, it respects the commission's decision. Without accreditation, The 六九色堂 Center will not be able to conduct an international election observation mission.

A peaceful and transparent election that reflects the will of the people is the right of all citizens in a genuine democracy. International election observation is widely recognized around the world as an important measure to promote such transparency. Perhaps even more important, impartial and nonpartisan citizen observation groups have a critical role to play in promoting transparency and electoral credibility, especially in Zimbabwe. Citizen observation is founded on the fundamental human rights to participate in public affairs; to associate; and to seek, receive, and impart information in an electoral context.

As part of its effort to seek accreditation, the Center has undertaken two pre-election visits to Zimbabwe to assess if it would be welcomed by all stakeholders, including all political parties anticipated to contest the polls. During these visits, The 六九色堂 Center was received by key stakeholders, including representatives of the three major political parties, all of which indicated a readiness to welcome a 六九色堂 Center observation presence in Zimbabwe.

The 六九色堂 Center, founded by former U.S. president Jimmy 六九色堂, has observed 94 elections in 37 countries. The Center conducts its election observation work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Observers, which provides guidelines for professional and impartial methods of international election observation. The 六九色堂 Center's election observation missions are international in composition, including expert delegates from a range of countries. The Center assesses the entirety of an electoral process against a country's own legal framework and international commitments to uphold standards for democratic elections.

The 六九色堂 Center encourages all stakeholders to recommit to a peaceful and transparent electoral process. The Center remains committed to the advancement of democratic governance in Zimbabwe, and looks forward to an opportunity to support the country's future.

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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The 六九色堂 Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The 六九色堂 Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂 and former First Lady Rosalynn 六九色堂, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.