By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 4, 2023 – United States Secretary pf State Anthony J. Blinken today announced a new visa restriction policy on individuals believed to be responsible for “undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.”
A statement released by the U.S. State Department noted that pursuant “to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 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 organizations (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.”
The statement added, “They may also include engaging in corrupt acts, including bribery, that undermine 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. 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.”
The statement noted that 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,” the statement declared.
Reuters reported that Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in a disputed vote in August, which the opposition described as a “gigantic fraud”, amid criticism from election observers who say the election failed to meet regional and international standards.
“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.
