- Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers are flooding into Zimbabwe ahead of 27 June presidential run-off.
Delayed arrival of observers has been cause for concern among stakeholders and run-off competitors given wave of political violence Zimbabwe has gone through since 29 March presidential elections.
Zimbabwe’s main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has expressed concern on Zanu PF supporter’s crackdown on MDC members which received international attention.
MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai told The Zimbabwean that Zanu PF has embarked on a violent campaign against masses because President Mugabe failed to win March polls.
Director of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, Peace, and Security, Tanki Mothae, said over 120 observers had been deployed and taking round in the country.
"We had earlier anticipated that we would have 300 observers or so but based on responses from member countries we will have more than 400 by polling day," said Mr Mothae.
He said SADC has to come up with one voice on issue of elections, saying differing views on the same situation is worrying to say the least. “African leaders need to be united in condemning these acts of violence," he said.
Apart from SADC observers, Pan African Parliament (PAP) observer mission is already in Zimbabwe doing rounds in Harare while other organisations friendly to Zimbabwe government are expected in the country next week.
United Nations had showed interest in Zimbabwe elections saying it would send a mission upon invitation by government.
Despite all international pressure, President Thabo Mbeki has opted for silent diplomacy, favouring Mr Mugabe. His silence has left both national and international observers wondering about Mr Mbeki’s impartiality.
United States pledged US$7 million into observation process of presidential run-off due next week.
US State Department spokesman Mr Sean McCormack said US government would avail money through its channels to enable observer teams to carry out their work as effectively as possible.
"We are going to contribute US$7 million to the election observer effort. The money is not only to ensure that there are proper, sufficient numbers from countries that are going to supply observers, but that they have resources to do their job on the ground," Mr McCormack said.
Since March polls, Zimbabwe has recorded severe human rights violations with more than 60 people reported dead while tens of thousands are displaced in the violence perpetuated by Mr Mugabe's regime in a bid to intimidate Zimbabweans to back him in June 27 run-off election.
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