By Staff Reporter
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Zimbabweans suspected of undermining democracy or being complicit in such actions.
The restrictions, announced by the State Department on Monday, are aimed at individuals who have engaged in manipulating electoral processes, impeding the activities of NGOs, committing human rights violations, or engaging in corruption.
The visa restrictions will also apply to the family members of individuals who have been found to have undermined democracy in Zimbabwe. The United States is taking this action to support the aspirations of Zimbabweans for free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
The visa restrictions come in the wake of the August 2023 general elections in Zimbabwe, which were widely criticized by international observers for failing to meet regional and international standards. President Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second term in the elections, but the opposition has accused him of rigging the vote.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the visa restrictions are intended to send a strong message that the United States will not tolerate those who undermine democracy in Zimbabwe.
“Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe – including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections – may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy,” Blinken said.
“Such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process; disenfranchising voters or preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote; excluding members of the political opposition from electoral processes; restricting the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) to operate and engage in democratic, governance, or human rights related activities; or intimidation of voters, election observers, or CSOs through threats or acts of physical violence.
“They may also include engaging in corrupt acts, including bribery that undermines the electoral process; interfering with the independent operation of the judiciary during its adjudication of electoral cases; or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe. Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.
“The visa restriction policy will apply to specific individuals involved in these acts, and is not directed at the Zimbabwean people. The United States supports Zimbabweans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.” He said.
