Zimbabwe Selected 47 Friendly Election Observers 

Zimbabwe has selected 47    international election observers from countries friendly to President Robert Mugabe's rule, to monitor its general election due later this month. 

In its determined effort, the state-controlled Herald newspaper quoted Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi as telling diplomats in Harare that the government had selected 47 foreign observer teams, “on the basis of reciprocity, objectivity and impartiality in their relationship with Zimbabwe.” 

Consequently, those countries referred to as unfriendly have been shut out of the election monitoring process. 

Alibi  

According to the foreign minister, international observers believed that only election won by opposition parties are free and fair. In his words,  “clearly, those who believe that the only free and fair election is where the opposition wins, have been excluded since the ruling party, ZANU-PF, is poised to score yet another triumph.” 

The Southern African country is expected   to vote on March 29 in presidential, parliamentary and council elections. 

Significant

The most important contest will be between Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, former minister Simba Makoni and old rival Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main wing of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. 

The Acceptable Observers 

The Herald said Russia was the only European country invited while 23 African and several Asian nations would also monitor the polls, along with teams from regional economic blocs. 

Mumbengegwi said all diplomats, including those from the West, accredited to Zimbabwe on a full-time basis could observe the polls. 

He was quoted as saying that, “only those diplomats who are accredited on a full time basis -- and not those on temporary assignment, and wish to observe the March elections, will be granted accreditation upon their request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Exclusion 

Zimbabwe's government frequently accuses Western countries, especially Britain and the United States, of plotting to unseat Mugabe, mainly over his seizure of white-owned farms for redistribution to blacks. 

Available statistics indicate that Inflation rate in the country 100,000 percent and shortages of food, fuel, and electricity had increased pressure on Mugabe.  But he is poised to win the election based on the current division among opposition parties.

 

 

Reuters/AOA/ Qasim