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Statement by Minister Pettigrew on Zimbabwe's parliamentary elections
Canadian Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
April 02, 2005

http://www.harolddoan.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1899

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement on Zimbabwe's parliamentary elections, held on March 31:

"I am pleased that polling generally proceeded peacefully during Thursday's parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe and that campaigning and voting took place largely without political violence. I also welcome the fact that all parties participated in the elections. I commend the many Zimbabwean citizens who participated in the elections for their commitment to the democratic process.

"Any assessment of the conduct of the elections must be placed in the context of the current political climate in Zimbabwe. Canada's assessment is that the elections were not held in an environment conducive to a free and fair expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe. In recent years, a climate of fear and intimidation in Zimbabwe, fuelled by widespread human rights violations, has deterred many citizens from exercising their democratic rights. Opposition politicians have experienced serious harassment, and judicial independence has been subverted.

"The closure of privately owned newspapers, unequal access of political parties to the state media and new restrictions on NGOs carrying out voter education seriously detracted from the fairness of this electoral process. Canada is particularly concerned that some in the ruling party of Zimbabwe attempted to intimidate rural voters by wrongly informing them that their ballots would not be secret and that they risked being denied food aid if they voted for opposition candidates. This is unacceptable.

"Canada is concerned about post-election allegations of widespread electoral irregularities, including inaccurate voter lists, and reports that many voters were turned away at the polls. These allegations must be investigated thoroughly and expeditiously. We urge all parties to address their concerns about any irregularities and the results of the elections in a peaceful manner.

"Canada will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe and urges all Zimbabwean political leaders to strive for the early restoration of democratic norms and the rule of law. We call for wider involvement of foreign observers in future electoral processes in Zimbabwe to help ensure that the international community is able to properly assess any allegations of electoral fraud or irregularities. Canada also strongly urges the Government of Zimbabwe to meet its responsibilities and ensure respect for the human rights of all citizens including the leaders and members of all political parties."

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