International observers watching over Zimbabwe’s watershed elections have raised the red flag over the way Monday’s elections were held, although those based in the region largely gave a thumbs-up to the disputed polls, NewsDay reported on Thursday.

European Union Election Observer Mission chief observer Elmar Brok, while noting improvements in the political climate and in particular the peace prevailing during the election, said “un-level playing field, intimidation of voters and lack of trust in the process undermined the pre-election environment”.

“These elections were seen as a critical test of Zimbabwe’s reform process. In some senses, up to this point, the conduct of the polls has had a number of positive features, but in other senses, serious concerns remain. Now we hope for a transparent results process,” Brok said.

He further questioned the delay by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in releasing results tallied so far, saying this raised questions about credibility.

Commonwealth observers, meanwhile, slammed the excessive use of force by Zimbabwe's security forces against unarmed civilians after the death toll rose to a reported number of six, according to media reports and eye-witnesses.