SA to send 55 observers to Zim elections

20 Mar 2008 12:01 - Staff Reporter

South Africa will send a delegation of 55 observers to Zimbabwe's general elections, the government said in Cape Town on Thursday. "The South African contingent will comprise representatives from civil society, business, religious leaders, members of Parliament and government officials," spokesperson Themba Maseko told journalists.

South Africa will send a delegation of 55 observers to Zimbabwe’s general elections, the government said in Cape Town on Thursday.

“The South African contingent will comprise representatives from civil society, business, religious leaders, members of Parliament and government officials,” spokesperson Themba Maseko told journalists.

The delegation was part of the 150 observers being sent by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Angola, the current chair of the SADC committee on peace, security and development, would lead the delegation.

Meanwhile, President Robert Mugabe’s supporters have used violence to intimidate opponents in the run-up to next week’s election, undermining chances of a fair poll, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.

Mugabe faces the strongest challenge to his 28-year rule in presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections on March 29 because of defections by senior ruling Zanu-PF party officials and a deepening economic crisis.

“As in previous elections, local government authorities, Zanu-PF supporters and security forces, including the police and central intelligence, are the main perpetrators of the violations ...,” the United States-based rights group said in a report released in Johannesburg.—Sapa, Reuters