Deputy Prime Minister Kenneth Baugh, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said this week Jamaica was disturbed at talk of a run-off presidential election, even before the release of results from the first round of voting.
“This, we believe, compromises the transparency and credibility of the electoral process,” Baugh said. “Whilst noting the efforts of the SADC to assist Zimbabwe in the post electoral-crisis, it is regretted that the intervention of the regional leaders has not, so far, been able to resolve the impasse.”
Jamaica was at the forefront of the international campaign against apartheid, injustice and oppression in Southern Africa which eventually led to, among other things, Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
“We recognize the important role played by President Robert Mugabe in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe,” Baugh said. “We are, therefore, profoundly saddened at the seeming failure to consolidate democracy in Zimbabwe. We commend the resilience and fortitude of the people of Zimbabwe in the face of the extraordinary challenges and hope that the situation does not deteriorate into chaos or lead to a humanitarian crisis.”
Baugh called on the presidential election results to be recognized and made known.
“We urge all parties to engage in a process of national reconciliation aimed at achieving lasting peace and harmony, and fostering economic growth and development in Zimbabwe,” he added.
Post published in: News