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SA officials to mediate in Zim
17/03/2005 17:27 - (SA)
Cape Town - The South African delegation to Zimbabwe will respond to any "concrete issues" arising during the elections to be held on March 31, said cabinet on Thursday.
Government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe said at parliament that, while it would not presume to take over the role of formal structures in Zimbabwe, the delegation would hold discussions with all parties if problems were found to arise.
He said: "Instead of throwing our arms up in despair, we need to hold discussions with all parties involved in the elections."
But, he noted that the cabinet had repeated its position that the government believed a lasting solution to the challenges there had to be found by the people of Zimbabwe themselves.
Free political activity
He said the government refused to prejudge the fairness and outcome of the elections, as they had not yet taken place.
He said: "Government has noted the steps taken thus far to create an environment for free political activity as well as the concerns that have been raised on issues pertaining to the voter's role and the right to hold political gatherings."
He explained that South Africa would rely on various observer missions in Zimbabwe - and other channels - to liaise with role-players and assist in ensuring that all challenges that emerged in the conduct of the elections were resolved.
Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change had complained in recent months of being refused permission to hold public gatherings and had also expressed concern at the state of the voters' roll.
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