SADC

I wonder if this statement will remain unchanged? I commend the fact that it has been made, yet one wonders just how much effect it will actually have?

Harare - A team of observers from the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) said on Sunday that Zimbabwe's one-man presidential run-off election failed to reflect the will of the people.
"The pre-election phase was characterised by politically-motivated violence, intimidation and displacements," Angolan Sports Minister Jose Marcos Barrica, the head of the 400-strong team of observers, said in a statement.
"The process leading up to the presidential run-off held on June 27 did not conform to the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.
"Based on the above mentioned observations, the mission is of the view that the prevailing environment impinged on the credibility of the electoral process.
"The elections did not represent the will of the people of Zimbabwe."

I think the pressure has to come on to South Africa - the Mbeki - Mugabe mutual admiration society is too ridiculous for words! Is it not about time that the South African parliament, who do not appear to share Mbeki's views, passed a vote of no confidence? Although, as I said earlier, unless South Africa is put under pressure, that is not likely to happen. Given that Mbeki has to step down in 2009 as he is no longer the ANC candidate for the next presidency in that country, and Zuma (likely to be the next South African president) is no fan of Mugabe, there may be some progress in the next 12 months! Maybe!

Still, I do think that it creates an interesting situation as Mugabe will loose his greatest ally and protector - that will be significant! It is, after all, South Africa, which is aiding Zimbabwe and propping up his illegal regime - no wonder Mugabe is keeping the door open for negotiations. As I said, this may be the end of the beginning. When Mbeki is gone, then it will get really interesting - I hope that the MDC will remember this and negotiate from a position of strength in that knowledge. If they do not fade away in the meantime! They must set up their government in exile and the world must help them! Fat chance!

later.