Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Responds to SADC Election Observers’ Scathing Report!

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has replied to the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) regarding claims of bias against opposition parties.

In a detailed statement, ZBC shared its perspective. It clarified that although SEOM observers did ask for meetings, they didn’t actually engage with ZBC. ZBC emphasized its fair treatment of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and mentioned that it invited important CCC figures like Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa, Fadzayi Mahere, Gift Ostallos Siziba, and Allen Markham.

ZBC Responds to SADC and Exposes CCC’s Non-Engagement Policy

However, ZBC explained that CCC members had a policy of not participating in interviews with them. ZBC mentioned that it published a schedule on July 29 in The Herald, which provided all political parties with dates and times for programs meant for the elections.

Despite strictly adhering to the schedule, CCC candidates didn’t take part in the programs. For instance, CCC Leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa declined an appearance on “The Candidate” show on August 18, 2023.

Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Responds to SADC Election Observers’ Scathing Report!

Fadzayi Mahere also didn’t participate in the Constituency Indaba program, with her assistant explaining that CCC’s policy prevented them from doing interviews with ZBC.

“The schedule was followed sacrosanctly on both radio and television. However, some candidates snubbed the programmes most notably CCC Leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa who refused to come for The Candidate on Friday the 18th of August 2023. Ms Fadzayi Mahere also failed to participate in the Constituency Indaba programme with her assistant telling us the CCC would not be conducting interviews with the ZBC as a matter of policy. In Harare East Allen Markham from the CCC also informed us that CCC does not deal with the ZBC as a matter of policy. From Zvimba East CCC Candidate Oliver Mutasa told the ZBC that he has no permission from his party to speak to the ZBC. We are in possession of the text message” part of the statement by the ZBC reads.

A Rundown of CCC Candidates Who Declined Interviews

ZBC added that it possesses audio recordings and text messages of CCC candidates refusing to engage with them. Here are some CCC candidates who allegedly declined interviews with ZBC:

Gift Ostallos (12 June 2023)
Discent Collins-Bajila (Emakhandeni/Luveve)
Obert Manduna (Nketa)
Chidaushe Emmanuel (Chivi North)
Makotose Peter Alexios (Chivi Central)
Patrick Mugwambi (Shamva South)
Mavis Maringisanwa (Shamva North)
Patrick Dube (Gwanda South)
Desire Nkala (Gwanda North)
Chinembiri Muchengeti (Chikomba East)
Emmanuel Punungwe (Chikomba West)
Douglas Gumbo (Chiredzi South)
Petias Manyika (Mt Darwin East)
Lovemore Dhlumo (Chipinge Central) among others.

ZBC confirmed receiving a paid advertisement from CCC, and campaign jingles were aired on ZBC TV during prime time from the 11th to the 22nd of this month.

You can read the full ZBC report here