He rejected the request after a meeting with the incoming UK envoy, Deborah Bronnert, at State House on Thursday. Bronnert reportedly asked for the deployment of observers, and made it clear at the meeting that British Premier David Cameron wanted a quick answer. Mugabe responded promptly. He called for the removal of targeted ‘sanctions’ on the Zanu (PF) elite.
"How can we invite people who have imposed sanctions on us to be our observers?" Mugabe said. "By imposing sanctions those people have demonstrated dislike of one side. I hope Madam Ambassador, you are not suggesting that by not being invited to observe our elections, it means the elections will not be free and fair," he said.
Mugabe faces presidential elections in March 2012, according to his latest declaration.