THE ministry of Foreign Affairs said last night it had summoned the United States top diplomat in Harare over what it perceived as the embassy’s election meddling as the country heads for crucial polls in August.
Elaine French, the Chargé De’Affaires of the US embassy, was summoned by the ministry over social media posts in which the diplomatic mission urged Zimbabweans to register en masse to vote and make their voices heard in the upcoming general election.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday proclaimed August 23, 2023 as the date on which the country will go to the polls. Rofina Chikava, a senior official in the ministry of Foreign Affairs, told French that government considered the US embassy’s social media posts as election meddling, and demanded a stop.
“The most notable post was captioned: ‘Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard,’ among other tweets which had been made a few days before. During the meeting with Elaine French, ambassador Chikava underscored government’s commitment towards holding a peaceful, free and fair election, in line with His Excellency (H.E), President E.DMnangagwa’s clarion call,” the ministry said.
“Despite Zimbabwe’s strong commitment towards holding a peaceful, free and fair election, ambassador Chikava, however, expressed concern over the Mission’s election related-social media posts, bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs,” it added.
US meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs, particularly electoral processes, is not new. It has funded opposition parties, and imposed sanctions on the country, in a bid to oust the government in reprisal for undertaking land reforms.
The ministry said the US diplomat undertook to tailor the mission’s communication to accepted international norms and standards, and refrain from interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
“The US Charge D’Affaires Ms Elaine French acknowledged government’s concerns and reiterated her Mission’s commitment to improve its communication in line with expected diplomatic conduct. She further expressed optimism in the continued collaboration between Zimbabwe and the US,” it said. — New Ziana