SADC
Interim statements by the SADC and PAP Election Observer Missions
Sokwanele Article: June 29th, 2008
Find, at the end of this post, links to the preliminary statements by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Election Observer Missions (EOM) to Zimbabwe. We've provided a snapshot of some of what they said below, but you must download and read the statements for the full details.
SADC EOM:
"There was a low turnout during the runoff compared to the 29 March 2008 harmonised elections"
"The pre-election phase was characterised by politically motivated violence, intimidation, and displacements.
"The process leading up to the presidential run-off elections did not conform to SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections".
"[...] 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"
PAP EOM:
Action Alert: Emergency meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to be held Saturday 12th April
Sokwanele Article: April 11th, 2008
These photographs were taken the day before yesterday. The two men are MDC MT supporters based on Mashonaland East. They, and others, were viciously assaulted by Zanu PF militia on Tuesday night. Three houses were burned down in the same area in ongoing attacks. This must be stopped!
The Zimbabwean people have spoken in the elections. We said NO to violence and NO to lawlessness. This is a new Zimbabwe: we must not tolerate this abuse of our right to a peaceful democratic country, and this abuse of our people. We must stand together against tyranny. Take Action!
TAKE ACTION
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has called an emergency meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss the Zimbabwean presidential poll delay. This is the first move by Zimbabwe's regional neighbours to intervene since the elections on 29th March 2008. President Mwanawasa is the current Chairman of the 14-nation South African Development Community.
Introduction to Zimbabwe Election Watch : Issue 1
Sokwanele Article: July 13th, 2007
Zimbabwe is about to become embroiled in yet another election. Or rather two simultaneous elections, one Presidential and the other Parliamentary, according to the wishes of ZANU PF which is moving to change the Constitution in order to bring about this "harmonization" of two polls which hitherto have not coincided. No dates have been given for the electoral exercise though the indications are that it will take place at some time during the first quarter of 2008. Already political events in the country are beginning to move around this new centre of gravity.
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