Nobody in Zimbabwe is likely to act in a way that will prevent free and fair elections being held in that country on March 31, South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Wednesday.
Speaking at Tuynhuys after talks with outgoing Namibian President San Nujoma, he said as far as he knows, nothing has happened in Zimbabwe that is contrary to the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) protocol on democratic elections.
”I don’t know what is said about what has happened in Zimbabwe that is in violation of the SADC protocol, because as far as I know, things like an independent electoral commission, things like access to the public media, things like the absence of violence and intimidation — those matters have been addressed.”
On the SADC’s plans to send a delegation to Zimbabwe to observe the election process, he said this ”should have been there already”.
”I know that [the] SADC is working at putting this delegation together; I don’t know when they will go.”
Mbeki said what the SADC is interested in is free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, as it would be interested in free and fair elections in any of its member states.
”The SADC delegation that goes to Zimbabwe would … maintain contact with all of the parties contesting the election … and work with all of them to make sure the will of the people of Zimbabwe is properly expressed.”
Mbeki said Zimbabwe is the only country in the region that has introduced new electoral law on the basis of SADC principles.
”Certainly, in all the communications we’ve had with the government of Zimbabwe, they are saying … they are party to that [the SADC] agreement.
”I do not imagine that there is anybody in Zimbabwe who would want to act contrary to [this].
”I have no reason to think that anybody in Zimbabwe will act in a way that will militate against elections being free and fair,” Mbeki said.
Nujoma — who steps down as Namibia’s head of state later this month — told journalists he thinks Zimbabwe’s government is ”moving now towards the goal [it] has worked out for the common benefit of all the people of Zimbabwe”.
He said he has paid a visit to South Africa to ”express my gratitude and appreciation to President Mbeki, the government and people of South Africa for support during the course of the struggle for the liberation of Namibia”.
Nujoma, who has completed three terms in office, will hand over his country’s reins to president-elect Hifikepunye Pohamba on March 21. — Sapa