|
SAOM Welcomes the Commitment of ZANU-PF
to Accept the Outcome of the Election Results and Appeals
for Political Tolerance and Elimination of Violence
Media Release
1 March 2002
For Immediate Release
The leader of the South African Observer Mission (SAOM)
to the Presidential elections in Zimbabwe, Ambassador
Dr. Samuel Motsuenyane has welcome as very significant
the announcement by the Speaker of Parliament and Secretary
General of ZANU-PF, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, that they
would accept the outcome of the election results irrespective
of who had won.
"This is indeed a very significant and encouraging
announcement. It should be emulated and followed by
all. Even our history during the run-up to the 1994
elections in SA tells us that the open declaration and
commitment of the leadership to accept whatever the
outcome of the results would be, is as critical to the
success of the holding of free elections as it is significant
to the building of tolerance and most importantly a
stable democratic and political system even beyond the
elections. We therefore appeal and urge all the leaders
of Zimbabwe to work hard towards enhancing stability
through leadership by example." Said Ambassador
Motsuenyane."
The SAOM has further appealed to all the political
parties, the government and all the people of Zimbabwe
to work hard in eliminating violence and intimidation
so as to ensure that the people can freely express their
will on the 9th and 10th March elections.
Meanwhile, an additional 27 Observers form SA will
arrive at the Harare International Airport on Sunday
3rd March at 12:30.
Ambassador Motsuenyane will welcome the group at the
Airport and later hold a press conference at the Meikles
Hotel, where he is expected to brief the media about
the impressions of the SAOM of the situation thus far
as well as the new tasks that the Mission will focus
on during the last days of the elections campaign as
well the actual election days.
In all 50 Observers will be in Zimbabwe to observe
the elections.
The SAOM will this weekend observe all major rallies
to be held throughout the country.
Issued by : South African Mission
Enquiries : Mbulelo Musi
Cell : 0027 83 442 9041
Fax : 2634 251 859
|
