Briefing by the South African Observer Mission (SAOM) in Zimbabwe

Ladies and Gentlemen

Welcome to this second media briefing of the SAOM since its arrival in Zimbabwe on 13th February 2002.

We have already done and seen a lot during our seven days in Zimbabwe.

I will mainly brief you on the most important aspects of our work, viz:

Interaction with the various stakeholders in the country
Observations made especially on conflict and violence
The issue of accreditation of SA journalists to the elections
The withdrawal of the European Union Observers from Zimbabwe
Interaction with International Observer Group, and
Deployment of the SAOM in various provinces.
We have, since arrival been overwhelmed by the warm reception from all sectors of the Zimbabwean Society. We have met the President, His Excellency Mr Robert Mugabe, the Ministers of Justice, Home Affairs, the Registrar General, the leader of the Opposition Party, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, leaders of the Zanu-PF, the leader of the National Alliance Party for Good Governance, Dr Shakespeare Maya, the Human Rights Organisations and other Non Governmental Organisations.

In all the meetings held, we have been assured of the co-operation by all the sectors. We have been able to attend rallies of the ruling Zanu-PF and the MDC.

We were, however, very disturbed about the reported clashes and violence in Epworth and in the city, that took place a few days ago, where windows of the offices of the MDC were broken and some people injured.

It is alleged that the police were present and did not act to prevent the incidents. This is a matter of great concern. We will look into the matter with the relevant authorities. We have also received reports about the existence of "No Go Areas" for some parties and we are also taking up the matter. We have already deployed our observers to some of these areas. We will intensify our presence accordingly in order to ensure that an environment that negates intimidation and violence is created. Our mandate is to assist as much as we can in supporting the people of Zimbabwe to have a free, credible and legitimate elections.

This is indeed a daunting task that requires as many observers and monitors as possible. To this extent, the withdrawal of the European Union Observers is indeed unfortunate and regrettable. We would like to urge the international community to assist the people in Zimbabwe in a most constructive way to determine their best destiny. Zimbabwe will need a stable political and economic environment after the elections irrespective of who wins. This should be the main objective in all the endevours of the international community at all times. A stable Zimbabwe is in the best interest of all the people of Zimbabwe, the region and indeed the world at large. SAOM commits itself to the realisation of this goal through persistent work that will be guided by impartiality, objectivity and constructive engagement with all role players.

We have already started and we will intensify our efforts of sharing experiences with all the parties and stakeholders with the intention of pointing out weaknesses that should be avoided or eliminated. We shall also focus on strengths that should be built upon in order to construct democracy and enhance a culture of respect for human rights.

We will be taking up matters with the authorities on an on-going basis. Critical at this stage is the accreditation of SA media in particular. We believe that the media should be given access to the electoral process in a free way. Our experience in SA tells us that it is vital for the success of building democracy, to inform the public and the world at large without hindrance. We are optimistic that the problem of accreditation will be resolved amicably and speedily with the Zimbabwean authorities.

With regard to the deployment of the SAOM, we already have our people throughout the country, namely Gweru, Harare, Mutare, Karoi, Bulawayo and Masvingo. We will be increasing the numbers with the arrival of this new team as well as the remainder expected on the 3rd March 2002. Our main attention will be given to the so-called "No-Go Areas" and where there have been reports of violence and intimidation.

Our primary task is to ensure that all the people of Zimbabwe are fee to express themselves through the electoral process. We are committed to work hard and in close co-operation with everybody in Zimbabwe to realise this goal.

Some of the critical partners in this regard are Observers from the Commonwealth, the SADC and the African Caribbean and Pacific Group and Countries (ACP).

For further information contact Mbulelo Musi at 083 442 9041 or 00 27 602 5795. Fax (09 263) 4 251 858.

Issued by the South African Observer Mission

20 February 2002