Zimbabwe shuts door on western election observers

Zimbabwe shuts door on western election observers

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ZIMBABWE will not invite observers from countries critical of President Robert Mugabe's rule to monitor a general election due later this month, a government official said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi told diplomats in Harare on Thursday that the government had selected 47 foreign observer teams, "on the basis of reciprocity, objectivity and impartiality in their relationship with Zimbabwe."

"Clearly, those who believe that the only free and fair election is where the opposition wins, have been excluded since the ruling party, Zanu PF, is poised to score yet another triumph," Mumbengegwi said.

The southern African country -- in the middle of a severe economic and political crisis -- votes on March 29 in presidential, parliamentary and council elections.

The most important contest will be between Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, former ally Simba Makoni and old rival Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main wing of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

Critics say Mugabe has rigged elections since 2000 to cling to power. The veteran leader denies the charge.
State media said Russia was the only European country invited while 23 African and several Asian nations would also monitor the polls, along with teams from regional economic blocs.

All 13 SADC states (Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, South Africa, Mauritius, DRC and Madagascar) have been invited alongside 10 other African countries, namely Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Libya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan.

Five Asian countries -- China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Iran -- and four countries from the Americas -- Brazil, Jamaica, Venezuela and Nicaragua -- will observe the elections.

African regional organisations invited are SADC, the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, NAM, the Economic Community of West African States, Pan African Parliament, Economic Community of Central African States and East African Community.

Among the invited sub-regional organisations are the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific, Association of South East Asian Nations, MAGREB Union, Community of Portuguese Speaking (Lusophone) Countries and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.

South Africa has indicated it will send an observer mission with 54 members drawn from government, the parliament, the political opposition and civil society.

South Africa previously observed elections in Zimbabwe independently, but Foreign Affairs Department spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said the group, scheduled to leave for Zimbabwe on March 20, would operate under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community rather than as a stand-alone bilateral delegation.

SADC says its observer mission of about 80 officials form the region is due in Harare on Sunday. The regional grouping expects to have around 150 observer delegates in place before the country's presidential, house, senate and local elections.

Mumbengegwi said all diplomats, including those from the West, accredited to Zimbabwe on a full-time basis could observe the polls.

"Only those diplomats who are accredited on a full time basis -- and not those on temporary assignment -- and wish to observe the March elections, will be granted accreditation upon their request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said.

Zimbabwe's government frequently accuses Western countries, especially Britain and the United States, of plotting to unseat Mugabe, mainly over his seizure of white-owned farms for redistribution to blacks.

Analysts say an economic crisis marked by the highest inflation rate in the world at above 100,000 percent and shortages of food, fuel, and electricity had increased pressure on Mugabe but he could still claim victory against a divided opposition. - Reuters
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