Zimbabwe 2000: SADC Parliamentary Forum Mission interim statement

Updated July 2000

The SADC Parliamentary Forum Observer Mission has been following the electoral process in Zimbabwe for almost five weeks. The team consisted of nineteen (19) Members of Parliaments from eleven (11) parliaments and twelve (12) members of staff. Whilst we have observed various phases of the electoral process, this press release will concentrate on the two days of voting, because this is the critical phase in any election.

The SADC Parliamentary Forum Election Observer Delegation wishes to congratulate the people of Zimbabwe as a whole for turning up in large numbers to cast their votes. A turnout of over 50% in any post-independence election is itself highly commendable. It is evidence of the commitment of Zimbabweans to participate in running their affairs.

We also view it as a sign of determination and commitment on the part of Zimbabwe voters to exercise their rights to choose their Members of Parliament and the leadership of the country. The high participation of the Zimbabwe voters is also a good sign of their commitment to multiparty democracy.

We do however, regret that a number of would be voters were turned away from polling stations because their names were reported not to have been included notwithstanding their claims that they had been registered. As a region, we are satisfied when the people of Zimbabwe are satisfied.

We are equally pleased and relieved that on the whole, voting has been orderly and peaceful throughout the country. To us in the delegation, this is the atmosphere which we wish to see extended in all SADC countries during times of elections.

We STRONGLY URGE THE PEOPLE of Zimbabwe, the Government and the political parties to stand together to maintain and build on this peace and tranquility even after the results of the elections are known. As a SADC regional 'institution, whose constitutions are committed to peace and democracy, we do not take sides, we are for all the people of Zimbabwe.

We also wish to appreciate the professional manner in which most of the election staff conducted themselves. The commitment of the domestic monitors as representatives of civil society including the churches was very evident as positive contributors to the electoral process. This commitment to democracy should be encouraged.