afrol News, 30 June - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has slammed results of Zimbabwe's Friday's run-off presidential election as criminal after they proceeded in spite of international calls to abort, following political un-rests, which preceded.

In a statement released today, Mr Moon said outcome was not a genuine reflection of what Zimbabweans want.

The secretary general, who is in Japanese capital, Tokyo on official visit, is adamant the atmosphere was not conducive for free and fair election, adding that observers have confirmed that poling process was seriously blemished.

President Robert Mugabe was sworn in yesterday for another term after being declared winner of the 27 June run-off, against no opponent.

Mr Mugabe was sole candidate in polls after violence and intimidation led against opposition party supporters forced Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to withdraw.

Mr Mugabe lost in the first round of elections on 29 March to Mr Tsvangirai, since then, Zimbabwe has been besieged by spates of violence and an aggravating humanitarian situation.

Many MDC activists have reportedly been killed or injured in recent weeks and human rights bodies along with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been harassed.

"The Secretary-General encourages efforts of two sides to negotiate a political solution that would end violence and intimidation," according to statement.

Situation in southern African country is said to be one of the main agenda at African Union summit, which kicked off today, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Mr Ban expressed support for efforts of AU and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to promote an agreement acceptable to people of Zimbabwe, adding that deputy Secretary-general Asha-Rose Migiro and senior UN political aide Haile Menkerios, both attending Summit were ready to lend in a hand, in any way possible.

According to a SADC election observer mission (SEOM) preliminary statement on outcome of election, during pre-voting period, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was able to handle postal votes, train electoral officers, set up polling stations, and delivery of voting materials, despite operating under a politically charged environment.

In its report, SEOM indicates that period leading up to run-off election was characterised by politically motivated violence resulting in loss of life, damage to property, and serious injuries sustained and hindering political activities.

"All role-players acknowledged existence of politically motivated violence but differed regarding nature, extent, causes and origins of violence and its impact on electoral process. On numerous occasions victims of politically motivated violence allege that security forces did very little to stop violence, or arrest perpetrators of violence," statement says.

It further shows that prevalence of violence was uneven, being most acute in Mashonaland East, West and Central, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Harare, adding that violence led to internal displacement of persons and impacted negatively on full participation of citizens in political process and freedom of association.

Statement indicates that on 25 June, head of SEOM and Angolan minister of youth and sports José Marcos Barrica, issued a statement expressing deep concern on widespread violence, appealing to relevant authorities, particularly supporters of political parties and candidates to refrain from all forms of violence. Mission also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that there was law and order in the country.

SEOM observed that ruling party held a number of well-attend rallies throughout country. Posters, pamphlets, stickers, t-shirts and other regalia were reportedly prevalent and visible throughout country.

The body however noticed with concern, disruption of campaigning of MDC, which held few rallies and regrettable inaction of law enforcement agencies, despite court order authorising such rallies.

It also observed one-sided coverage in content and extend of one candidate on part of state media, print and electronic.

"In addition, no advertisements for opposition party were carried," its statement further shows.

SEOM reports that it was able to conduct its task without much hindrance, though some of the team members reported being harassed in course of duty.

It further shows that on election day, polling was conducted in conditions that were relatively free of violence and commends ZEC for managing the process in a technically competent fashion.

The mission noted that, in some spoiled ballot papers, voters had recorded expressions, like 'God bless this country', 'Let there be free and fair elections', 'No to dictatorship' and so forth, which expressed their dissatisfaction at way elections were conducted.

Based on stated observations, SEOM is of the view that prevailing environment impinged on the credibility of the electoral process.

The mission has thus recommended that only dialogue involving all the people of Zimbabwe can resolve the country's problems.

SEOM consisted of 413 members from all SADC Member States, (except Madagascar) who were deployed into ten (10) provinces, which were divided into 210 constituencies and 9 100 polling stations.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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