Christian Alliance Press Statement

Before the extraordinary summit meeting we were astounded by the statement by the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki that there was no crisis in Zimbabwe.  This tends to make us doubt the sincerity of SADC leaders to resolve the Zimbabwean crisis justly.

The statement enunciating the efforts and action that SADC intends to take and is proposing is too little and too late to effectively address the post election crisis faced by the nation of Zimbabwe.  The fact that a summit had to be called to discuss failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to release results is indicative enough of the gravity of the crisis. There is therefore, need for urgent, concrete and effective regional action to ensure resolution of the electoral crisis and compliance with SADC electoral norms.

The following concrete actions need to be urgently demanded by SADC

•    That Zimbabwean Police stop the arrest of non-military ZEC staff.

•    That Zimbabwean Police stop making arbitrary arrests of lawyers and civic activists.

•    That the state media, war veterans and other militias stop fanning the flames of conflict’.

•    That there be an immediate halt to the new farm invasions.

•    That ZEC immediately releases the true Presidential results as per the votes cast by Zimbabweans on the 29th March 2008.

•    In the event that the presidential results show no winner of 50% plus one vote as required by the Constitution, to set up a Heads of State team that will mediate between ZANU PF and MDC in order to:-

a)    Set an election run-off time line.

b)    Ensure that credible, independent and impartial election management body to replace ZEC, whose credibility and reputation has been damaged beyond repair that will implement the election run-off without fear and favour and constituted by people acceptable to all parties.

c)    Ensure that the election run-off is internationally supported, supervised and observed and run under circumstances where Zimbabweans are able to fully and effectively participate in their national affairs in an environment of peace and tranquility, free from intimidation and political violence and retribution.

d)    Ensure free access for regional observers including the media during the run-off period until after the results are accepted by the majority.

In the meanwhile, we call upon Zimbabweans to promote peace and be part of nationwide prayer meetings that are being organized by the churches.

Inserted by:

Media and Information Department