Zimbabwe sets categories of people, organizations eligible to observe July 30 polls

HARARE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has set categories of people and organizations who will observe the forthcoming elections.

It has also maintained the same accreditation fees for observers that it set during inspection of the provisional voters roll May 19-29.

In a statement Friday, ZEC said applications would be considered from individuals representing local organizations and eminent persons from within the country; individuals representing foreign organizations and foreign eminent persons; and individuals representing bodies that exercise functions similar to those of ZEC and that had been invited by the commission to observe the elections.

Also covered are individuals representing local organizations and eminent persons from within the country who were invited by the minister responsible for justice and legal affairs to observe the elections and individuals representing foreign organizations and foreign eminent persons who were invited by the minister responsible for foreign affairs to observe the elections.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday proclaimed July 30 as the date for general elections for president, legislators and local authority councilors.

The accreditation will cover the elections and the counting and collation of ballots.

ZEC said local observers will still pay 10 U.S. dollars as was the case during inspection of the provisional voters' roll, while those from the continent will pay 20 dollars.

Observers from foreign embassies in Zimbabwe will pay 50 dollars, while those from any country outside Africa will part with 100 dollars.

Zimbabwean journalists accredited with the Zimbabwe Media Commission and working in the country for foreign media houses will pay 50 dollars while those working for local organizations will pay 10 dollars.

Journalists from Africa will pay 20 dollars, ZEC said. Enditem