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Press statement on the presidential run-off
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe (NANGO)
June 26, 2008

The National Association of Non Governmental Organizations (NANGO), representing over 1000 NGOs operating in Zimbabwe, having consulted its members is convinced that the prevailing conditions are not conducive for a free and fair run-off and to usher Zimbabwe into a democratic dispensation.

In particular NANGO notes with concern the following:

• The escalation of politically motivated violence, harassment and intimidation of not only political activists but also of innocent civilians, particularly women, youth, children, election observers and polling agents. For example, ZESN's observers as well others from civil society organizations for the 29 March harmonized elections have been subjected to severe attacks which have left some observers dead, 30 beaten and over 200 displaced and 14 with their homes and property destroyed.
• Increasing insecurity and fear amongst the general populace for retribution, making it difficult for people to freely participate in democratic and other development processes.
• The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs reduced the capacity of civil society organizations to observe elections in all the polling stations by reducing the number of observers from civil society to the extent that it is even difficult to deploy observers to even 20% of the polling stations. For instance ZESN observers were reduced from 8 667 observers that it fielded during the 29 March harmonized election to 500 for the run-off.
• In addition, NANGO members had earlier on raised concern over the re-issuing of new invitations for the run- off yet other procedures and laws for the two elections remained the same.
• The increase in the number of internally displaced people thereby disenfranchising many people of their right to shelter, food and to vote in their constituencies.
• Targeted attacks and harassment of civil society organizations has made it virtually impossible for them to freely assemble and even continue with humanitarian operations

Based on the above factors it is our highly considered view that the run-off will not be a reflection of the expectations of the people of Zimbabwe, collectively and severally, and even of SADC in terms of the conditions for a free and fair election. This run-off therefore is likely to be tainted by negative views from the general population and other interested parties including SADC and the African Union.

NANGO therefore calls upon the relevant authorities to open up broad based dialogue for the resolution of the political and electoral problems bedeviling the country and to create a framework that paves way for a new democratic dispensation acceptable to Zimbabweans, Africans and the World at large.

Visit the NANGO fact sheet

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