Engagements with Zimbabwe to ensure free and fair elections

QUESTION NUMBER: 4

DATE: 16 November 2004

4. Rev. E Adolph to ask the Deputy President:
Whether any further engagement is planned with the Zimbabwean government to ensure free, fair and peaceful parliamentary elections next year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
C184E

REPLY:

The South African Government is constantly engaging both the Government of Zimbabwe and the Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to ensure that there is a conducive climate that will give rise to free and fair elections as outlined by the SADC Principles and Guidelines on Elections in the region.

During September 2004, President Mbeki and President Mugabe held talks while they were in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly. A number of issues regarding the forthcoming Parliamentary Elections were discussed. On 25 October 2004, President Mbeki met with Mr Tsvangirai, leader of the MDC in Pretoria where issues pertaining to talks between the MDC and the ZANU-PF were discussed as well as the upcoming Parliamentary elections.

During discussions both sides have indicated that they are committed to the principles of free, fair and peaceful elections, and are taking the necessary measures to ensure that elections will be conducted in a transparent manner.

The foundation for a climate conducive to free, fair and peaceful elections has been set in motion by the adoption and commitment to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic elections by the Government of Zimbabwe

South Africa will continue to offer all the necessary assistance to Zimbabwe to make certain that the elections are free, fair and peaceful. We will also work towards ensuring that a homegrown and sustainable solution to the challenges is found by the Zimbabweans.