ABUJA/Nigeria: Comrade Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized the rigging of Zimbabwe’s Presidential election by the ruling ZANU-PF party.
In a statement released on Sunday, Frank condemned the electoral injustice and pointed out the alarming silence of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders in the face of this violation of democracy.
Frank highlighted the dangerous consequences of electoral rigging, emphasizing that such actions often escalate into military coups and violent regime changes due to the frustration and deep-seated anger of citizens who are denied their right to a fair election. He stressed that the questionable victory of Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa was achieved through widespread irregularities orchestrated by the ruling party, including voter suppression and instilling fear.
Frank also underlined the international consensus regarding the unfairness of the election, as attested by foreign poll monitors and the South African Regional body. These observers stated that the election failed to meet both regional and international standards, drawing parallels to the flawed February 25, 2023 presidential election in Nigeria where similar issues of ruling party interference, financial inducements, and voter suppression were raised.
The European Union’s observer mission and the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission echoed concerns about the electoral process in Zimbabwe. Voting delays, issues with the voter roll, bans on opposition rallies, and biased state media coverage were cited as problematic areas. The opposition candidate, Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was reportedly deprived of votes due to these irregularities.
Frank condemned the growing trend of African ruling parties violating the electoral rights of opposition parties and their candidates through rigging. He warned that if measures are not taken to ensure fair elections and hold African Heads of States accountable, this dangerous trend will persist. He called upon regional political blocs like the AU and ECOWAS to take immediate action to prevent electoral coups and uphold the integrity of the ballot box.
The former APC spokesperson also called for international intervention from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, urging them to condemn the electoral manipulation in Zimbabwe. He argued that without transparent, free, and fair elections in Africa, the cycle of coups will persist. Frank further demanded urgent international sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and any African leader who rigs elections to retain power against the people’s will.
In a striking assertion, Frank proposed that the United Nations should withhold invitations to its General Assembly and other international gatherings for Presidents and heads of governments who come into power through rigged elections. He emphasized that such actions are necessary to send a clear message against electoral fraud and anti-democratic practices.
As electoral integrity remains a pressing concern in Africa, Comrade Timi Frank’s condemnation of Zimbabwe’s rigged election serves as a call to action for both regional bodies and the international community to address this crucial issue and prevent further destabilization in the continent.
