MDC, SA observers kiss and make up

MDC, SA observers kiss and make up

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By Staff Reporter

THE South African government observer mission (SAOM) and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) on Monday kissed and made up during a meeting in Harare.

Leading the SAOM delegation was Ngoako Ramatlhodi, the former Limpopo premier, and the MDC was headed by Welshman Ncube, the party's secretary general.

During the meeting, which SAOM said was part of a consultative process that it was also having with other participants, MDC raised concerns about media statements made by the SA mission.

"We were able to clarify these, resolving the matter. Both parties have agreed to work together in ensuring that the elections are free and fair and credible," said Ramatlhodi.

He said among the issues raised were concerns that the SAOM might be biased. "We explained to the MDC delegation what our leader (Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana) meant by his statements. "We kept to his explanation that he was misquoted. I mean, there was no way he could have prejudged the election," Ramatlhodi said.

The meeting followed last week's refusal by MDC leader Morgan Tshangirai to meet the team until Mdladlana was replaced. The party accused him of prematurely declaring the polls free and fair.
Ramatlhodi said the SAOM regretted the misunderstanding and said it was committed "to neutrality, impartiality throughout the election process."

Describing the mood in the build up to the March 31 elections in Zimbabwe, Ramatlhodi said it was "good". "It appears there is going to be a good turn out on election day. This is judging by the good turn out at rallies." - Sapa
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