Maravi

AU, SADC observers condemn Zim runoff

AU, SADC observers condemn Zim runoff
By George Chellah and Kingsley Kaswende in Harare, Zimbabwe
Tuesday July 01, 2008 [04:00]

AFRICAN Union and SADC election observer missions have condemned Zimbabwe's presidential election runoff, which gave President Robert Mugabe a landside victory. SADC election observer mission leader, Jose Marcos Barrica stated that the pre-election phase was characterised by politically motivated violence, intimidation and displacement.

"The process leading up to the presidential runoff elections held on 27 June, 2008 did not conform to SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. However, the election day was peaceful," Barrica stated. "Based on the above mentioned observations, the mission is of the view that the prevailing environment impinged on the credibility of the electoral process. The elections did not represent the will of the people of Zimbabwe."

He stated that there was dissatisfaction by Zimbabweans with the manner the election was conducted.

"The mission noted that, on some spoiled ballot papers, the voters have recorded expressions like ‘God bless this country, let there be free and fair elections, No to dictatorship' and so forth, which expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the elections were conducted," he stated.

Barrica stated that there could be a viable solution to the profound problems facing Zimbabwe through dialogue amongst all political stakeholders and the people.

"The mission also pledge its support and solidarity to, and with the people of Zimbabwe and we wish them courage, strength and determination as they embark on this difficult but virtually necessary process," Barrica stated. "The mission recommends that SADC mediation efforts should be continued in order to assist the people and leadership of Zimbabwe to resolve the problems they are facing and bring the country to normalcy."

He stated that SADC should develop a mechanism on the ground in order to seize the momentum for a negotiated solution.

"The mission notes that the country needs the concerted efforts of its sons and daughters for economic-socio development and national unity," Barrica stated. "The mission regrets and wishes to express its profound sympathy to those Zimbabwean families who have lost their loved ones and their property."

And head of the AU observer mission, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who is former Sierra Leone president, said the election fell short of AU standards.
"...It is the considered view of the African Union observer mission that the election process fell short of the accepted AU standards," said Kabbah. "The African Union observer mission is however encouraged that both parties have shown willingness to engage in constructive dialogue as a way forward for ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe."

Labels: AU, ELECTIONS, SADC

posted by MrK @ 2:39 AM