The Zanu (PF) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, announced last week that only observers from the African Union, SADC and Comesa would participate and European Union and US applicants would be barred.
Zapu spokesperson Mark Mbayiwa said one party could not invite international observers unilaterally as it was a government matter. “This is not a Zanu (PF) issue. The GPA has to decide on who will be invited. If there is going to be transparency and accountability in the coming election there is no need to be too selective. Why would Zanu (PF) want to invite their friends only? We know friends can be biased,” he said. “Right now we are saying there is no money for elections and will probably get assistance from those countries they do not want to invite as observers.”
Kurauone Chihwayi, Deputy Spokesperson for the MDC led by Welshman Ncube, said: “The EU has already shown that it is prepared to work with us by removing some people from the sanctions list. If Zimbabwe is serious about re-engaging with EU they should allow them to observe without any conditions.”
MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora said: “Zanu (PF) is not a government and inviting observers is a decision that should be made by the GNU principals. Interested countries should send their applications to participate as observers in the coming election and the issue of sanctions cannot be used as a way of vetting international observers.”
Post published in: News