By Albert Mpofu
The United States embassy in Harare has remained resolute in its stance after being summoned to a meeting at the Zimbabwean foreign affairs ministry over tweets encouraging Zimbabweans to register and vote. The embassy’s top diplomat, Elaine French, faced accusations of election interference, sparking a diplomatic exchange between the two nations.
In response to the summons, US embassy spokesperson Meg Riggs conveyed their unwavering support for the recent media posts that called for peace during the election season. Riggs explained that these messages, created by Zimbabwean artists, aimed to engage the country’s youth on the significance of peaceful elections. She highlighted that elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy.
The meeting between Elaine French and acting foreign affairs secretary Rofina Chikava resulted in a statement issued by the Zimbabwean foreign ministry. The statement conveyed concerns over the embassy’s election-related social media posts, deeming them as activism and meddling in the country’s internal affairs. The ministry urged the US embassy to refrain from such messages, citing a deviation from diplomatic norms outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
US embassy spokesperson Meg Riggs stated that the meeting provided an opportunity for both governments to express their policies and concerns. Riggs reiterated the embassy’s role in communicating with the host nation government as well as the people through various media platforms, including traditional and social media, educational events, cultural exchanges, and sports programs.
Reiterating their position, Riggs affirmed that the United States does not endorse any specific candidate or political party but rather supports a transparent and peaceful electoral process that genuinely reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people.
As Zimbabweans gear up for general elections scheduled for August 23rd, opposition parties have accused the ruling Zanu PF party and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of obstructing potential voters in traditional opposition strongholds. These allegations raise concerns about the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections.
