ANC tells Zimbabwe's security forces to stay out of vote

ANC tells Zimbabwe's security forces to stay out of vote

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By Rebecca Harrison

SOUTH Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) urged Zimbabwe's security forces and other state institutions not to take sides in this month's elections and to respect the outcome of the vote.

The ANC also said in a statement on Monday it hoped Zimbabwe's March 29 presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections would be free and fair and would help resolve a political and economic crisis in the southern African country.

"The ANC urges all institutions of state in Zimbabwe, and in particular the security forces, to remain non-partisan and to respect the outcome of the elections," the party said in a statement.

Several leaders of Zimbabwe's security forces have sided with President Robert Mugabe, the country's sole ruler since independence who is seeking another term.

Police chief Augustine Chihuri on Friday openly threw his weight behind Mugabe, saying "western-backed puppets" would not be allowed to rule the country.

The opposition has also complained about alleged military involvement in the running of past elections.

Analysts say Zimbabwe's 84-year-old leader faces the greatest challenge to his 28-year rule due to an economic meltdown and a pair of opposition candidates, including a ruling party renegade.

Simba Makoni, Mugabe's former finance minister will run as an independent candidate, and opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai will once again take on Mugabe at the polls.

Former colonial power Britain, which blames Mugabe for wrecking Zimbabwe's once vibrant economy, and the European Union have expressed concerns the vote will not be free and fair.

Mugabe, who denies mismanaging the economy and says it has been sabotaged by Western states as punishment for his land reforms, has barred election observers from Western countries he accuses of seeking to oust his Zanu PF party.

Western nations have urged South Africa, which has been mediating between Harare and the opposition, to be more forceful in its efforts to coax Mugabe toward democracy.

South Africa has pursued a policy of "quiet diplomacy" toward its neighbour -- an approach the ANC's new leader Jacob Zuma, frontrunner to succeed President Thabo Mbeki, has said he will continue.

Zimbabwe is battling the world's highest inflation -- over 100,000 percent a year -- as well as soaring unemployment and poverty. Millions have fled to South Africa. - Reuters
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