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Now is the time to deepen democracy and push transformation forward
Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum
April 10, 2008

The Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum salutes the Zimbabweans and their organisations who have courageously spoken out against the unacceptable shenanigans of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. In failing to act the ZEC is showing a blatant disregard for processes agreed under the regional authority of SADC, and the legal obligations of its own constitution. The tension surrounding the announcement of the election results is fuelling suspicions that ZANU-PF is again involved in efforts to falsify the outcomes of an election. Ignoring agreements and fuelling suspicion undermines the little remaining legitimacy this election has.

We are deeply concerned that external observers are leaving the country before the process is over and that media attention is already shifting to new fresher stories, while people report that the ZANU machinery is preparing to unleash the full might of its violent capabilities. The threat is real and people in Zimbabwe can feel it. Zimbabweans are clear. It is time for change. They have expressed this openly and without violence. This patient commitment to nonviolence must be recognised by SADC and the AU.

Insider speculation that ZANU is considering flouting electoral requirements and unilaterally declaring an election run-off, not even within the required 21 days, but as far off as 3 months or even a year, while current President Robert Mugabe rules by decree with the support of his generals are of even greater concern. This dismissal of the will of the people and total disregard for the rule of law even when it is weak and already tarnished cannot under any circumstances be accepted.

The ZSF calls on SADC and the African Union to intervene decisively in Zimbabwe. It must be made clear that violence and repression is not part of the solution to Zimbabwe's crisis and that it will not be tolerated. The rigorous defence of democratic principles is critical not only to the future of Zimbabwe but for the whole of the Southern African region and the entire African continent.

The ZSF reminds key security force personnel in Zimbabwe of the statement made by the African National Congress in reaction to public pronouncements refusing to accept the leadership of the MDC. As in any democracy the military in Zimbabwe must recognise that they are accountable to the state, and that the state is accountable to the electorate.

Now is the time to take decisive action that breaks the stalemate and pushes the transformation process further.

To SADC we say:

• Speak out publicly against the breaches of agreements reached during the talks you initiated.
• Warn those who threaten violence that it will not be tolerated.
• Deepen your diplomatic efforts to prevent a further deterioration of the situation and to demand that the election results be released.

To the African Union we say:

• Give power to SADC by speaking out publicly against violence and in support of the rule of law.
• Prepare now to lead the world should the situation worsen and violence erupt.
• Consider the growing call for an international peacekeeping force to intervene in defense of Zimbabwean citizens and their rights.
• Begin the preparations should this become necessary.

To the African National Congress we say:

• Continue to use your influence within ZANU and the MDC to encourage an immediate outcome that allows a transformation process in Zimbabwe to begin.

To the South African Government we say:

• Engage the MDC, ZANU-PF and the civic movements of Zimbabwe in discussions that go beyond the negotiation of an elitist deal.
• Make it clear publicly that violence will not be tolerated.
• Defend the people of Zimbabwe, defend the democratic transformation of our region, defend our own democracy.

To progressive forces from across Africa and around the world we say: Join the people of Zimbabwe and force open the tiny crack in the democratic window of opportunity offered by these elections,

The renaissance of our region and of the entire African continent depends on our ability to take the transformation of Zimbabwe forward.

Aluta Continua! Forward to freedom and democracy!

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