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Zim delay 'violates Charter'
23/04/2008 21:24 - (SA)
Pretoria - The delay in the release of Zimbabwe's presidential results might be a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights said on Wednesday.
In a statement released from The Gambia on Wednesday, the commission said the delay also flew in the face of the Southern African Development Community principles on elections.
"The African Commission is of the view that the right to vote and participate in government is not limited to the casting of a ballot paper but invariably includes the individual right to know, and in a timely manner, the outcome of the voting exercise," it said.
"The African Commission is concerned that the delay in the publication of the results has the potential of undermining human rights and the rule of law and may compromise an already volatile and tense situation."
The commission called on the Zimbabwe government to provide the Zimbabwe Elections Commission with all the necessary assistance it may require to enable it to release the elections results immediately.
The commission's authority rests on the African Charter, which was adopted by the African Union's predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity.
It however still reports to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
- SAPA
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Zimbabwe Special Report
