Zimbabwe has applied to re-join the Commonwealth. The proposal came in a letter dated 15 May to Secretary-General Patricia Scotland from Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The Secretary-General was delighted to receive the letter. “I whole-heartedly echo the sentiments of Heads of Government who have said twice, in 2009 and subsequently in 2011, that they very much look forward to Zimbabwe’s return when the conditions are right. Zimbabwe’s eventual return to the Commonwealth, following a successful membership application, would be a momentous occasion, given our shared rich history,” she said.
Zimbabwe joined the Commonwealth on its independence in 1980 and withdrew from the organisation in 2003.
To re-join, Zimbabwe must demonstrate that it complies with the fundamental values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, including democracy and rule of law plus protection of human rights such as freedom of expression.
The membership process requires an informal assessment to be undertaken by representatives of the Secretary-General, followed by consultations with other Commonwealth countries.
Zimbabwe has also invited the Commonwealth to observe its forthcoming elections in July. The Secretariat is now mobilising a team of observers to do so – and their observations will form part of the Secretary-General’s informal assessment.
“I urge the government, opposition parties, the election management body, civil society, and all stakeholders, to play their part in ensuring a credible, peaceful and inclusive process that restores citizens’ confidence, trust and hope in the development and democratic trajectory of their country,” stated Secretary-General Scotland.
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The Commonwealth election observers will find the country’s public media is not free; the voters’ roll is what can call “organised” chaos in that the chaos is deliberate; Zanu PF candidate, Chiefs and other party operatives drive brand new vehicles in a country whose health service has all but collapsed; etc.; etc. It is inconceivable to see how these observer can even say the elections were free, fair and credible under such conditions!
Zimbabwe is in this economic and political hell-hole because for the last 38 years the nation was stuck with a corrupt and murderous regime that rigged elections to stay in power against the democratic wishes of the people. The number one priority of the people of Zimbabwe is to get the democratic reforms implemented to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
One only hopes that in their eagerness to welcome Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth, the organisation is not going to turn a blind eye on the blatant vote-rigging already happening in Zimbabwe and endorse the rigged elections thus sell-out the ordinary Zimbabwean! The individual freedoms and rights including the right to free and fair elections must be fully restored and guaranteed before Zimbabwe is allowed to re-join the Commonwealth!
Welcoming back the prodigal son is onething but to welcome an unrepended prodigal son so he can continue in his wasteful ways is another matter! If Zanu Pf cacnot hold free, fair and credible elections surely the regime has not changed in any way!