Elections & post elections period in Zimbabwe: What to do after 29 March
Europe External Policy Advisors & Zimbabwe Watch
March 26, 2008

http://www.eepa.be/wcm/dmdocuments/zimbabwe%20roundtable%20report.pdf (Direct link to 16 page PDF)

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On 29 March 2008, Zimbabwe faces crucial local, parliamentary, senate and presidential elections. As civil society organizations from Zimbabwe and from Europe, we felt this was a very judicious moment to take stock of both the opportunities and challenges associated with the elections as well as the pressing longer-term issues that will need to be addressed in a country shattered by a complete deficit of democracy, peace, human rights and justice.

Given that the 29 March election cannot be a legitimate expression of the will of the Zimbabwean people, urgent and sustained efforts must be made (by the international community in conjunction with and in support of national initiatives) in the post-29 March period to demand, encourage and assist a process of transition which must have among its most urgent objectives the creating of adequate conditions for a legitimate election, so that Zimbabwe may begin the process of return to democratic and accountable government. Against this background, in collaboration with both its European and Zimbabwean partners, Zimbabwe Watch organised a roundtable titled "Elections and Post-Elections period in Zimbabwe: What to do after 29 March 2008 - Views from Civil Society and Dialogue with the European Union" on 13 March 2008 in Brussels. The roundtable brought together civil society activists from Zimbabwe, officials of the European Union (EU) institutions and various European and international interest groups. As envisaged, the discussion came alive with a free exchange of views between the participants on how to commonly address the very dire economic, social, civil and political rights situation faced by Zimbabweans.

On behalf of Zimbabwe Watch, and in conjunction with Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Media Institute of Southern Africa - Zimbabwe Chapter (MISA-Zimbabwe), Zimbabwe National Students' Union (ZINASU), Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (CIDSE), I present this report which summarises the main highlights and recommendations spelled out during the roundtable. Addressing the critical issues in Zimbabwe is first and foremost the onus of Zimbabweans themselves; however, to bring about the transition civil society in Zimbabwe is aiming for, support from the regional and international community is equally crucial. The suggestions presented in this report emerged out of the interactive discussion on what the role of the regional and international community can be and how we can work jointly towards a free and democratic Zimbabwe.

Pascal Richard
Coordinator
Zimbabwe Watch

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