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This article participates on the following special index pages:
2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
Minimum
demands for a free, fair and transparent run-off election
Transparency
International – Zimbabwe (TI-Z)
May 15, 2008
Elections
continue to play an important role and are seen to be the cornerstone
for both the transition to and the consolidation of democracy. Therefore,
in conducting or contesting an election, it is critical to ensure
that the right of the people to choose their leaders as a fundamental
pillar of democracy remains centre stage and informs not only the
conduct but also the motivation of all stakeholders.
In light of
this, TI-Z demands that the following minimum conditions should
be in place as we face the presidential run-off whose date is yet
to be announced.
- Commendable
reforms, particular the posting of results outside polling stations
and constituency tabulation centres should not be eroded.
- The peaceful
environment obtaining before and during the March 29 poll should
be upheld as a minimum standard
- The tabulation
and collation of results should be done transparently, in the
presence of party agents and observers.
- Results
should also be released in a timely, transparent and accountable
manner as this will definitely help reduce tensions following
any election
- Strict and
total adherence to and the implementation of minimum conditions
set out in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles
and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
The post-election
violence and intimidation characterizing the aftermath of the March
29 poll must stop. The head of a South African contingent of regional
election observers, Kingsley Mamabolo, said on 7 May 2008. "A
presidential election run-off in Zimbabwe cannot take place given
the current levels of violence . . . . We have seen it, there are
people in hospital who said they have been tortured, you have seen
pictures, you have seen pictures of houses that have been destroyed
and so on."
Visit
the TI-Z fact
sheet
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