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South African Observer Mission to Work
Closely with International Observers in Zimbabwe
26 February, 2002
For Immediate Release
The leader of the South African Observer Mission (SAOM)
Ambassador Samuel Motsuenyane today assured the international
observers about the SAOM commitment to work closely
with them in observing the elections in Zimbabwe scheduled
from 9 and 10 March 2002.
"We are committed to work harder to make sure
that the Zimbabwean people succeed in their endeavour
to hold free and fair elections. To that extent we are
going to work very closely with both national and international
observers in order to enhance not only free and fair
elections but also a stable political environment"
said Ambassador Motsuenyane.
Ambassador Motsuenyane was speaking at the meeting
called by the head of the Commonwealth observer mission,
General Abubakar in Harare this afternoon.
The purpose of the meeting was to share experiences
and appreciation of the situation currently pertaining
in Zimbabwe.
Most of the Observers noted that the situation was
complex and needed the presence of even more international
observers in order to enhance a peaceful and a secure
environment for the holding of the free and fair elections.
They also raised concerns about some occurrences of
violence but also noted that there were peaceful areas
and that there was need to work closely with the authorities
to ensure the improvement peace and stability.
They also noted as significant the fact that the Electoral
Supervisory Committee has announced that party agents
would accompany ballot boxes to voter counting stations
during the elections.
"This is a significant development and it augurs
well for the electoral process and enhances the possibility
of minimising tension" further said Ambassador
Motsuenyane.
Countries, organisations and institutions represented
in the meeting included the Commonwealth, SADC parliamentary
observers, Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, Malawi, Namibia,
Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa.
It is estimated that 250 observers from these countries
and institutions would take part in the Zimbabwean elections
on March 9 and 10, 2002.
Issued by : South African Observer Mission
Enquiries : Mbulelo Musi
Cell : 0027 83 442 9041 or 0027 83 602 5795
Fax : 092634 251 859
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