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afrol.com, May 11th 2000 - In an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, the leader of the Zimbabwean opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Morgan Tsvangirai asks the international community to consider isolating Zimbabwe if elections are not held in regular forms.
- "If there are not held free and fair elections, the international community should consider the implementation of a boycott of Zimbabwe," Tsvangirai said.
So far, the entire opposition, including Morgan Tsvangirai, firmly had rejected the thought of isolating Zimbabwe, in concern of the civilian population. Now, for the first time, Tsvangirai is considering the necessity of an international boycott.
- "Earlier, we have warned against such a step to give Mugabe the opportunity to uphold law and order in the country. But if elections not are held as planned, or not are held in an free and fair way, one should consider a boycott."
The MDC and Morgan Tsvangirai are continuing their preparations for the elections, and confirm their earlier assurances that the MDC will participate, in spite of the killings, violence and threats. Pressure is getting harder and the obstacles to organize free elections, whenever they are going to take place, are increasing each and every day, according to Tsvangirai. "But in spite of the violence, thousands of people round up at the electoral meetings, says Tsvangirai, which is encouraged by the massive support he is experiencing.
While the electoral process is struggling forward, the international community is paying vigilant attention. Although an international boycott is not considered at the moment, funds and donations a being cut on a wide scale. Only yesterday, the Norwegian government decided to cut all government to government aid to Zimbabwe, only continuing the humanitarian aid going directly to the poorest segments of the population. Signals were given that Zimbabwe's status as "principal country of cooperation" will be reconsidered.
However, if a boycott is not a means considered at this stage, it will have greater appeal if elections are won by Mugabe by fraud or not held at all. The support of the Zimbabwe opposition will probably be crucial for such a consideration by the international community.
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