‘Mbeki Working Against Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe’ – Says MP (07-09-07)

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Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and whip for the African Christian Democratic Party,
said contrary to President Mbeki’s insistence that Zimbabweans are confident
that the talks are leading to free and fair elections, many were expressing
grave concerns that the talks were changing nothing.

‘Zimbabweans expect President Mbeki and SADC to tell Mugabe there must be
constitutional change before the coming election. Roman Catholic Bishops
have expressed concerns that the political and economic crisis in the
country has reached a flashpoint and only democratic reforms can avert
further bloodshed and a mass uprising,’ Dudley said.

The ACDP MP was also critical of the stance taken by the SADC bloc. She said
in both Tanzania and Lusaka, the importance of conditions for free and fair
elections in Zimbabwe seems to have escaped the leaders altogether.

‘President Mbeki’s diplomatic efforts are ignoring the cries of more than
eleven million Zimbabweans who expect President Mbeki and SADC to stand by
SADC protocols and to tell President Mugabe there must be political changes
before next year’s elections,’ she said.

Dudley added that as far as she knew, both factions of the MDC have vowed
that they will never go into an election that is pre-determined.

‘Both factions of the opposition MDC are on record saying they will only
participate in elections if conditions in Zimbabwe prior to the elections
facilitate a free and fair contest,’ Dudley said. – SW RAdio AFrica