Ambassadors speak on Zim election

“In order to complete the process of
re-engagement, we are waiting for the elections. The position of
the EU is that we are ready to work with any government
in power based on credible, transparent and peaceful elections.

“There is great interest among European investors to
come to Zimbabwe but there is also concern over how certain pieces of
legislation are applied. The investors do not want to run the risk of
their investments being hijacked by political decisions.

“It’s not only the Europeans, but a lot of other investors out there
are waiting to see what will happen next and this is why these
elections are so important.”

Ingebjorg Stofring (Norwegian Ambassador)

“I think
elections in any country are important. The environment has to be
peaceful so that people are able to vote for the candidates they see
as the best to bring Zimbabwe forward.

“The economic future is, to an extent, based on the credibility of the
elections. Investors are sort of assessing the context and they will
wait maybe until after the election.”

Bruce Wharton (United States Ambassador)

“The strength
of Zimbabwe’s next government will be determined by how much faith and confidence the people have in these elections. So it’s
absolutely vital that the elections be very well run.

We have said from the very beginning that the most important elements
in our ability to change that will be credible, transparent, peaceful
elections that reflect the will of the people. Elections are a vital
part of our benchmarks of the action for action policy.”

Kwang-Chul Lew ( South Korea’s Ambassador)

“I think the
elections are very significant. We do not know who will win but we
hope the new government will be friendly and also introduce laws and
regulations that will attract investors.

“There are Korean investors who are ready to invest in
agriculture, infrastructure building and tourism. However, they have
not yet made their decisions because of an unstable environment. They
are still examining the possibility of doing business in Zimbabwe.”

Anders Liden (Swedish Ambassador)

“Sweden cherishes its
relations with Zimbabwe. Many people in my country take a strong
interest in what is happening in this country.

We look to the future, hoping
that Zimbabwe will be able to meet its challenges,
hoping that a renewed basis will be found on which our relations –
cultural, business, official – can find the necessary nurture to
grow.”

Yonezo Fukuda (Japanese Ambassador)

“I think everybody
will be watching the election and trying to see whether they will be
run smoothly and if the result will be acceptable to the international
community.

“I have never witnessed past elections in Zimbabwe but I know there
used to be some criticism. This time
around, Zimbabwe has a chance to show the world that they are
democratic and can manage elections in a peaceful and transparent
manner.”

Mawampanga Mwana Nanga (Democratic Republic of the Congo Ambassador)

“The people are going to make their choice of course and whatever
choice they make, the political parties should respect that. It’s likely that one party will win and
whoever loses should be able to congratulate the winner knowing that
they will be in an opposition and wait for another chance,” said
Nanga

Luciano Lavizzari (Swiss Ambassador)

“Ultimately,
Switzerland will be ready to cooperate and work 
with whatever government emerges from peaceful and credible elections.
We believe it is reassuring that the three Principals in the GPA are
quite visibly committed to a peaceful and non-violent electoral
process.

“The further development of the Swiss cooperation will depend,
however, on the positive political developments in
the country. The same applies for the bilateral trade between the two
countries, which is currently quite small and limited to agricultural
and pharmaceutical products.”

Matthew Neuhaus (Australian Ambassador)

“If the elections
are free and fair, that would have a very positive effect and we would remove all
the remaining sanctions. Australia is looking at these elections
closely.

“We have said that if they reflect the will of the people, then we
will work with whoever wins the next elections. We could help more in
sectors such as power and agriculture but we need to see the right
environment, an environment in which after an election, every
Zimbabwean can say they are happy with the result.”