By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwean authorities have apprehended 41 individuals affiliated with election monitoring organizations, alleging that they sought to manipulate the outcome of the presidential election in favor of the opposition.
The arrested were working for accredited elections monitoring bodies the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network and the Election Resource Center.
The organizations had deployed more than 7,500 observers across the country.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi alleged that these individuals were engaged in what he described as “subversive and criminal activities,” asserting that these actions were part of an opposition strategy to manipulate the election results.
“As a result, a total of 93 smart cellphones, 38 laptops, two (2) smart watches, two (2) modems, one (1) WIFI router, one (1) external hard drive, Nokia feature phone (kambudzi), one (1) printer, 1 X 24 port switch, various computer chargers, power back-up unit and headphones were recovered.
“The equipment was being used to unlawfully tabulate election voting statistics and results from polling stations throughout the country.
“These figures were being supplied by some observers and political party agents,” Nyathi said.
“These figures were being supplied by some observers and political party agents,” Nyathi added.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights condemned the arrest saying the workers were carrying out their mandate as accredited election observers.
According to police, they are facing charges related to violations of electoral laws.
The 41 are being accused of trying to declare election results prematurely, a role reserved by law exclusively for the electoral body.
