Observers by invitation only

2004-12-09 19:09

Harare - Election observers will be allowed into Zimbabwe next year "strictly on invitation", Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said on Thursday.

Giving his yearly state of the nation address to the country's parliament in Harare, the 80-year-old leader said: "We will hold our sixth parliamentary elections on a date yet to be set to seek a renewed mandate, depending on how well we performed.

"Outside observers will be allowed strictly on the basis of invitation," Mugabe said, saying Zimbabwe had implemented electoral reforms "with principals we developed along SADC (Southern African Development Community) guidelines".

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change has vowed to boycott the elections expected to be held in March 2005, claiming human rights abuses and harsh public order laws make it impossible for polls to be free or fair.

Economy 'improving'

Meanwhile, Mugabe said Zimbabwe's economy was improving, partly due to increased foreign currency inflows, which rose to $1.6bn in 2004, up from "a paltry $301m in 2003".

"Our economy has performed well under illegal sanctions," said the Zimbabwean president, referring to a travel ban imposed by some western countries on senior members of his Zanu-PF party.

Still, Mugabe said, developing nations continued to support Zimbabwe, despite negative publicity.

"We are grateful for the support we receive from the international community.

"We seek no enmity for any quarter, only friendship provided there is recognition of our sovereign rights and our right to determine our own destiny," said Mugabe.

- SAPA