The letter says: We are disturbed at indications that you are prepared to allow elections to go ahead in Zimbabwe without the implementation of reforms provided for in the Global Political Agreement.
The Vigil believes the following reforms must be implemented before elections: Non-partisan security forces, Honest voters’ roll, Impartial electoral commission, Foreign observers, Open airwaves, No hate speech.
Our fears of a rigged election were supported by comments by President Ian Khama of Botswana who said those responsible for the ‘brutality and intimidation’ of the last elections remain in place and ready to act. ‘I have not seen any evidence that they have changed their attitude towards trying to ensure that Zanu (PF) will emerge victorious’,he said, adding: ‘I think that they (Mugabe supporters) are still capable of trying to engage in intimidation, deploying the security services to bring that about . . . telling the people in the security services how they should vote.
The potential for that is still there.’ Vigil supporter Wilbert Mukori has been urging us to campaign against the constitution but we felt our energies should be devoted to what is really important: free and fair elections. Indeed, we have been dismayed that so much time and money has been devoted to the ludicrous constitution at the expense of more vital things.
Post published in: Africa News