SADC NGOs call on Summit to stand firm

In its position paper to be presented to tomorrows summit, the coalition commended the Troika for its firm stance on Zimbabwes next elections, and said the country faced two critical options: to proceed with holding elections in the current unfavourable circumstances and have the events of 2008 repeated, or to implement the GPA fully and an agreed roadmap to free and fair elections that would produce uncontested results.

It welcomed the Troikas resolution demanding an immediate end to political violence, intimidation, hate speech, harassment and any other form of action that contradicted the letter and spirit of the GPA.

Whilst the holding of free and fair elections is essential, SADC-CNGO is also of the view that the roadmap should also set the foundation for long term peace-building and consolidation of democracy in the country, says the group.

Zimbabwe road to elections is presently marred by political landmines – notably the issue of the constitution and the failure to fully implement the terms of the GPA by all parties in the coalition government.

The coalition urged SADC to stick to its Guidelines and Principles governing democratic elections, as the regional yardstick on the freeness and fairness of elections.

It cautioned that failure by the region to ensure that Zimbabwe adhered to the SADC guidelines would see member states sliding down the same path as North Africa.

The organization stresses the critical role of SADC and of individual member states in ensuring that democracy, peace and human security prevail, noting the political developments in North and West Africa. Unless these issues are addressed there is bound to be instability which usually result in the deaths of many people.

Although the country has an Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation, it has been criticized for being toothless and the coalition said that the region should ensure that the organ is strengthened.