EISA warns Mugabe-(15-02-07)

onference last week that there must be consensus among all stakeholders about postponing elections and that the regional electoral body was gravely worried that most African leaders were reluctant to give up power while some manipulated their constitutions so that they could remain in power.
“Harmonisation is a noble idea when considering its cost effectiveness, but for that decision to be reached, every party should contribute. There should be consultations with all stakeholders,” Matlosa said
President Robert Mugabe is attempting to impose sweeping constitutional reforms that would enable him to postpone elections, scheduled for March 2008, to some date in 2010.
The EISA chief said the electoral body was in the process of lobbying the African Union to put in place a mechanism that would not allow leaders to undemocratically prolong their terms of office when they have expired.
“Although the one-party state concept has ended, there is need for free and fair multi-party competitions. Elections are not well managed and there are various cases of violence, but there is good progress in most countries,” he said
EISA chief said the AU sometimes was forced to recognise governments, which got into power through forceful means, because those overthrown would have failed to respect the sovereignty of their people by paving way for others.
Swedish ambassador Sten Rylander who attended the presser said Sweden supported EISA’s vision to support the sustainable democracy in the region by promoting free and fair elections and working to enhance awareness and appreciation of democratic principles and practices. Rylander donated US$1,3 million to promote democracy and strengthen human rights. – Staff Reporter