The ZIMBABWE Situation Our thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe
- may peace, truth and justice prevail.

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The Star

      Oppositions live in fear as rulers set agenda

      For Tsvangirai and Outtara, political freedom remains precious
      January 28, 2005

        By Peter Fabricius

      There was a telling moment at a Johannesburg conference this week on
opposition political parties in Africa.

      Before giving his address, veteran Malawian politician John Tembo, of
the old Malawi Congress Party - formerly ruling, now in opposition - issued
a clarification.

      He said when he was invited to speak at the conference - held by the
SA Institute of International Affairs - he first examined the agenda to
ensure that this was "not an attempt to form an alliance of opposition
parties to bring down governments".

      "When I was assured that was not the intention, I readily agreed to
participate," said Tembo, betraying a consciousness that the Malawi high
commission was no doubt listening carefully to what he had to say.

      Such is the state of apprehension which African governments have
instilled in that most endangered of species, the opposition political
party.

      Why should opposition parties not form alliances to bring down
governments, one might ask, as long as their methods are constitutional?

      After all, the liberation movement governments in Southern Africa have
their own informal club which meets to swap notes about how to stay in
power.

      Two of the most endangered politicians of Africa addressed the
conference - Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic
Change and Alassane Outtara, leader of the Ivory Coast's Rally of
Republicans party.

      Each is the most powerful opposition politician in his country, and
therefore the most feared by his government.

      Tsvangirai - whose government has tried several times to assassinate
him, both physically and politically - spoke poignantly of the dilemma his
party faces about whether or not to participate in the parliamentary
elections likely to happen in March. "We're damned if we do and damned if we
don't," he said, echoing the lot of political parties across the continent.

      Damned if they do participate because they then legitimise
ostensibly-democratic systems that are really just a sham. Damned if they
don't, because they then lose whatever small powers they might have, to
influence legislation - or just ask awkward questions in parliament. And
thereby risk becoming completely irrelevant.


      Outtara is endangered because Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo is
trying to eliminate him politically by denying him Ivorian nationality and
therefore the right to run for president. He also risks literal elimination
if he returns from exile in Paris.

      These are just some of the ruses which incumbent African politicians
resort to, to stay in power - while desperately trying to project an image
of democracy to the world.

      The conference threw up no great revelations about why Africa is like
this or how it could change. What was remarkable, though, was a clear
difference in opinion between practising politicians and spectators.

      Academics and others on the sidelines reiterated the old refrain that
Africa needs to shrug off the alien culture of liberal democracy and create
its own indigenous democracy.

      Uganda has experimented with what you might call indigenous
democracy - the "no-party state" which allows considerable political freedom
but not through the medium of political parties. But as the rather
quaintly-named Ugandan non-party MP Ronald Reagan Okumu explained, the
relative freedom and discipline of Uganda is the result of President Yoweri
Museveni's strong personality rather than anything inherent in the no-party
system.

      As he loses his grip, corruption and political oppression are
proliferating, revealing the no-party state more and more to be a classic
one-party state, Okumu said.

      Call it what you will, liberal multiparty democracy really seems to be
the only way. Those against it tend to be incumbents who fear political
freedom or academics with a vested interest in devising something different
to justify their jobs.

      But politicians like Tsvangirai and Outtara, trying to survive on the
frontline, had nothing to say on the subject. To them political freedom is
as precious as air and water and whatever label you pin on it is superfluous
semantics.



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JUSTICE FOR AGRICULTURE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMUNIQUÉ - Roy Bennett Update -
27th January 2005

Email: jag@mango.zw; justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
Internet: www.justiceforagriculture.com

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"Let it never be asked of any of us - what did we do when we knew another
was oppressed."

Nelson Mandela

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ROY BENNETT UPDATE

by Friends of Roy Bennett

The blistered hands are testimony to the hard labour that Roy Bennett is
now enduring on a daily basis.

He is no stranger to physical work, but the sheer exertion of labouring on
the prison farm is leaving its mark on Roy.

However, his spirits are high and he is enjoying working outdoors but he
never forgets the injustice that he is suffering.

An injustice made worse with every day he spends in prison, especially in
light of the fact that Zimbabwe's courts are continuing to reserve
judgement or are delaying hearing cases relating to the imprisonment of Roy
Bennett.

Despite appeals by his lawyers that their client is likely to suffer
irreparable prejudice, there appears to be no movement by the judiciary to
settle the Bennett cases.

There has been a noticeable delay by the High Court concerning the
Application to Review the Parliamentary procedure that resulted in the
Honourable MP for Chimanimani being sentenced to a year in prison with
labour.

In addition, Justice Hungwe has still not passed judgement in the case
brought before him in November of last year applying for Bennett's release
pending the outcome of the Review application.

Furthermore, the legal team has also prepared a Supreme Court challenge on
the grounds that Bennett was denied a fair trial as guaranteed by
Zimbabwe's constitution. No date has been given by the court to hear this
case despite its obvious urgency.

While the courts' decisions are to be respected, questions must be asked
about the numerous judicial delays related to this case that have so far
failed to result in a single judgement. Roy Bennett has now been in prison
for almost three months. This is an obvious example of justice delayed is
justice denied.

Roy and the family would like to thank everyone who has sent letters and
cards to him as he has received so much mail and it is very uplifting for
him. Roy asked Heather to reply to each one, but because of the volume, she
is not able to.

Friends of Roy Bennett

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THE JAG TEAM

JAG Hotlines:
(011) 205 374 If you are in trouble or need advice,

(011) 863 354 please don't hesitate to contact us -
(011) 431 068 we're here to help!

263 (04) 799 410 Office Lines

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New demands will disenfranchise thousands, analysts
27 Jan 2005 17:01:15 GMT

Source: IRIN
JOHANNESBURG, 27 January (IRIN) - Thousands of eligible Zimbabweans will not
be able to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections without producing
written proof that they reside in the constituency where they are
registered.

In a last-minute public notice published in the official Herald newspaper,
the Registrar-General's office said prospective voters in urban areas should
present inspection officers with payment slips for water, electricity or
other rates, or written statements from landlords confirming their tenancy
within the constituency.

Voters in rural areas are required to produce written confirmation from
their ward councillors and traditional chiefs. Where possible, oral
confirmation of residence by the same leadership should be obtained.

Civic groups and the political opposition in Zimbabwe have expressed concern
over the new demands, while political analyst Emmanuel Magade said they
would discourage potential voters from participating in the poll, scheduled
for March.

He said the stringent requirements could only work in favour of the ruling
ZANU-PF, especially in the rural areas, where traditional leaders and ward
councillors were members of the local party structures.

"The fact that the notice was published only in The Herald shows that it was
not intended to reach everybody on time, so many people went to the
inspection centres without the required documents and they were turned
away - many will never go back for a second chance. A close analysis of the
affected areas shows that they are mostly urban areas, where the opposition
enjoys great support," Magade told IRIN.

Reginald-Matchaba Hove of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
concurred that the new requirement was a worrying development. He said the
ZESN also doubted the impartiality of the new Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
(ZEC) under the High Court judge, Justice George Chiweshe, a retired officer
and former advocate in the Zimbabwe National Army's military courts.

Minister of justice Patrick Chinamasa dismissed fears of massive
disenfranchisement as unfounded, adding that the impartiality of his
officials was beyond doubt.

"I do not see how people can say the requirement of a proof of residence
disenfranchises prospective voters - people should just take the necessary
documentation to the inspection centres if they are genuine residents who
pay rates. The allegation that ZANU-PF councillors and traditional leaders
are refusing to issue the necessary documentation to suspected MDC [Movement
for Democratic Change] supporters is news to me. It will be investigated,
but I have not come across any such complaints during my tour of inspection
centres in the rural areas," said Chinamasa.

Remius Makuvaza of the opposition MDC's directorate of elections said the
party would only comment on allegations of irregularities after receiving
reports from its inspection monitoring posts, but confirmed that there were
unofficial reports of serious improprieties.

"We are still compiling our national report, but initial indications are of
gross irregularities in the urban areas. Frustration is also high in the
rural areas," he told IRIN.

A team of lawyers from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) is
due in the country this weekend as part of its first mission to check on
Zimbabwe's compliance with the SADC electoral guidelines, adopted at the
regional conference in Mauritius last August. The MDC maintains that the
government has failed to reform the electoral process to conform to the
letter and spirit of the guidelines.

Citing the continued arrest of its members and officials, denial of access
to the media for campaign purposes, and the appointment of an allegedely
pro-government judge as chairman of the ZEC, among other concerns, the MDC
has called for the elections to be postponed until June at the earliest.

The SADC troika of South African President Thabo Mbeki, Botswana President
Festus Mogae and Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili is due in the
capital, Harare, before the elections, to check on the country's compliance
with the electoral guidelines.




IRIN news
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SABC

Zimbabwe rights groups to challenge NGO law

January 27, 2005, 19:15

Zimbabwe's non-governmental organisations said today they would launch a
legal challenge against the constitutionality of a proposed law barring
foreign funding of local human rights groups.

President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu(PF) party used its comfortable
majority in parliament to pass the NGO bill last December, which will
require human rights groups working in the country to register with a state
appointed council.

Critics equate the bill with harsh media and security laws they say are
aimed at muzzling opponents of Mugabe's government as Zimbabwe grapples with
a political and economic crisis widely blamed on its mismanagement.

A report by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations
(Nango), said its position on the bill, which Mugabe has yet to make law,
was "to reject it and call for the government to repeal it".

"Preparations are well advanced for a strong legal challenge to the
constitutionality of the act and to litigate on behalf of affected
organisations and individuals," the report said.

Nango urged rights groups to step up a lobbying campaign in the southern
Africa region against the proposed law, saying the lack of "a free and
unrestrained civil society" would make it hard for voters to make informed
decisions in a parliamentary election due in March.

Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, has accused some
NGOs of working with Western countries to undermine his government, mainly
over its forcible redistribution of white-owned commercial farms among
blacks. - Reuters

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Civil Servants to Monitor Polls



The Herald (Harare)

January 27, 2005
Posted to the web January 27, 2005

Harare

MONITORS for the forthcoming parliamentary election will be drawn from the
public service to ensure accountability in the event of cases of
indiscipline, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Speaking at a workshop for election bodies in Harare, the Minister of
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Cde Patrick Chinamasa told
participants that the Electoral Supervisory Commission would appoint civil
servants as monitors.

"The monitors will be drawn from the civil service so that if they do any
monkey business they will be disciplined by their employer.

"We think civil servants are the best option because some countries like
South Africa rely on volunteers but there is no way for recourse in case of
indiscipline on the part of the volunteers.

"They can just receive allowances and disappear with no recourse. If we have
civil servants they will be accountable to their employer," Cde Chinamasa
said.

He said both the ruling Zanu-PF and the opposition MDC had agreed in
Parliament during debate on the Electoral Bill, which is now an Act, that
the monitors should be drawn from the civil service to ensure they are
accountable for their actions when carrying out their task.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs to explain and clarify the roles of bodies involved in
elections following the reforms introduced to the country's electoral
system.

It was attended by commissioners of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC),
a new body to run all elections and referendums in the country led by their
chairperson Justice George Chiweshe and his deputy Mrs Sarah Kachingwe.

Members of the Electoral Supervisory Commission led by their chairperson Mr
Theophilus Gambe, staff from the Registrar General's Office led by the
Registrar General Mr Tobaiwa Mudede, the

chairman of the National Elections Directorate Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwa and
officials from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs also
attended the workshop.

Following the reform of the country's electoral system, the ZEC is now
tasked with the running of all elections and referendums, a function that
was spread among bodies such as the RG's Office and the National Elections
Directorate with the ESC monitoring the process.

The National Elections Directorate is no longer relevant under the new
system as all its functions and others previously done by the RG's Office
have been taken over by the ZEC.

The ZEC now directs and controls the registration of voters by the RG's
Office and the compiling and maintaining of the voters' rolls.

It is in charge of printing and distributing ballot papers, establishing and
operating polling stations and also conducts voter education and accredits
observers of elections , among other functions.

The ESC is now charge of monitoring the ZEC and the entire election process.

Local non-governmental organisation, Centre for Peace and Initiatives in
Africa (CPIA) has hailed the appointment of commissioners of the ZEC.

In a statement, the organisation's information and public relations officer
Ms Rena Chitombo said her organisation joined hands with others in
congratulating the appointed commissioners.

"CPIA would like to join other organisations and individuals in
congratulating the members of the ZEC on their appointment," she said.

The organisation described the ZEC commissioners as responsible and reliable
people who can handle the task to perfection and ensure that the elections
are held in accordance with the Sadc principles and guidelines on elections.

"They are men and women of honour, dignity and integrity who have served
their county in various capacities with distinction and total commitment"
said Ms Chitombo.

She said March elections would generate interest inside and outside the
country.

"As we congratulate and wish the new commission all the best in their
endeavours we sincerely hope that the March elections would be held in a
peaceful and violent free environment," she said.
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Zanu Ndonga to Contest in Elections



The Herald (Harare)

January 27, 2005
Posted to the web January 27, 2005

Harare

THE Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu Ndonga) has confirmed it will
participate in the parliamentary elections scheduled for March this year.

The party's department for information and publicity said it would field 120
candidates, one for each of the country's constituencies.

The party, which since 1980 has maintained its hold on the Chipinge South
constituency, will also officially launch its campaign strategies and unveil
its manifesto today.

Names of candidates to contest the elections will be announced today.

"Primary elections to select candidates were done throughout the country and
their names are already at the national executive committee," said the
department.

In line with its campaign, the party applied to Zimbabwe Broadcast-ing
Holdings requesting for media coverage during election campaign period.

"We forwarded a letter to Dr Rino Zhuwarara to ask for the way forward on
how we can get coverage from the State media because as a party, this is one
of the ways we can explain our views and policies to the public," the
department said.

There is a provision under the Broadcasting Services Act, which stipulates
that all political parties should be accorded media coverage at least 30
days before the election date.

Of late, opposition political parties have been castigating the public
broadcaster for failing to accord them airtime during the election campaign
period.

The party also hailed Sadc principles and guidelines on free and fair
elections, which were adopted by the country and to be implemented during
the March Parliamentary elections.

"We also support the Government on adopting the Sadc principles and
guidelines on elections.

"As a party we feel that this is okay as long as everything is given some
practical application and not just theory, and this will help us have free
and fair elections," maintained the party.
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SABC

Informal cross-border maize trade improves

January 27, 2005, 11:45

The Famine Early Warning System Network (Fewsnet) says informal cross-border
Southern Africa maize trade surged last month, with most passing from
Mozambique to shortage-hit Malawi.

The agency says food prices continued to rise in Zimbabwe as trade barriers
made it difficult for small scale traders to bring maize into the country.

Fewsnet has confirmed complaints by South Africna farmers that maize prices
have crashed in recent weeks as a result of good rain, poor export demand
and a large carry-over stock.
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Sunday Times (SA)

'Zimbabwe treating economic symptoms not cause'

Thursday January 27, 2005 15:07 - (SA)

HARARE - Zimbabwe's central bank chief's prescriptions to kickstart the
battered economy and slash the world's highest inflation rate to a single
digit ignores the core problems, analysts said on Thursday. "What the
central bank has done is provide piecemeal solutions to problems that are in
fact just symptoms and not the real problems," leading economist Peter
Robinson said.

"You need to have a comprehensive package," he said. Reserve Bank governor
Gideon Gono on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping policy in which he pledged to
bring down inflation drastically, woo foreign investment and clean up the
ailing banking sector.

Zimbabwe's once-model economy is in tatters, and this is partly blamed on
the seizure of white-owned farms for redistribution to the black majority
which resulted in a fall in agricultural production. Burgeoning
unemployment, a high poverty rate and a free-falling currency -- which
however has now comparatively stabilised -- and the southern African
nation's isolation from the West have not helped matters. "You need basic
things like the rule of law to get foreign investment and a guarantee that
if you invest, your property will not be expropriated," Robinson said.

"That way you have more foreign currency inflows, jobs and everything else
will follow." Gono on Wednesday said inflation, which had peaked to 600
percent last year, should fall to between 20 and 35 percent in 2005 and
reach a single digit in 2006.

He said that although there was a drastic fall in December to 132.6 percent,
the country still had the world's highest inflation rate. The bank chief
touted 2005 as the "Year of Investment" and warned of a crackdown on
state-run behemoths which were overstaffed, unproductive and often misusing
their position to raise prices at random. "A greater number of them ... no
longer have strategic plans, budgets or audited sets of accounts while some
have bloated manpower levels whose presence is inconsistent with business
and revenue they are generating," he said. Gono however hailed a record
annual rise in foreign exchange inflows in 2004.

"The 12-month period to December 2004, saw foreign exchange inflows into the
official market amounting to a total of 1.7 billion (US) dollars compared to
a total of 301 million dollars in 2003. "This represents a phenomenal
growth," he said, adding that Zimbabwe hoped to surpass its highest foreign
exchange inflow level of 3.8 billion dollars -- achieved in 1996 -- by the
end of 2006. Economic analyst Witness Chinyama said this was easier said
than done.

"The government needs to put in laws and policies that attract foreign
investment and capital inflows from multilateral financial institutions like
the IMF and the World Bank." Tapiwa Mashakada, the opposition Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) party's shadow finance minister, added: "The
monetary policy statement should be read against the major challenges facing
the country such as poverty and unemployment.

"Those challenges will continue until you have a fiscal policy that
addresses them." Gono on Wednesday also warned of a shake-up in the
country's bruised financial sector, where seven banks were placed under
curatorship in 2004. "Unfortunately ... some among these licensed bankers
surreptitiously took depositors' funds with a full, predetermined and
calculated intention never to give back those funds to their rightful
owners," he said. There will be new audit and other checks to prevent such
cases as well as "deeper and wider disclosure requirements," he said. Gono
said the Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group (ZABG) -- composed of "former
distressed banks" -- which is due to open formally on Monday -- would
carefully pick the banks it accepts in its fold.

AFP
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Xinhua

      UN team committed to working with Zimbabwe

      www.chinaview.cn 2005-01-27 23:24:41


      ? HARARE, Jan 27 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations resident
coordinator in Zimbabwe, Festo Kavishe, said on Thursday the United Nations
Country Team (UNCT) is committed to working with the government to achieve
Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

          Making the remarks during the Zimbabwe United Nations Association
(ZUNA) annual general meeting, he said "partnership and collective action
are compelling prerequisites for effectivelyaddressing Zimbabwe's
development challenges."

          Zimbabwe, like many developed countries, he said, was confronted
with development challenges such as poverty and HIV/AIDS, which called for
alliance building to achieve maximum impact.

          "The United Nations Country Team is one of the many
developmentpartners with the potential to support national response to these
challenges," he said.

          "The work of the UN is to support and compliment national response
to national priorities."

          He said areas of concern the UN team was working on included
scaling up prevention and treatment interventions for HIV and AIDS,as well
as improving access to basic social services and human resource capacity
development.

          Some of the MDG to be achieved by 2015 include halving poverty and
hunger, promoting gender equality and empowerment of women, combating HIV
and AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
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'Investigate Collapse of Harare Hospital'



The Herald (Harare)

January 27, 2005
Posted to the web January 27, 2005

Harare

SCORES of Zimbabweans yesterday called on the Government to investigate
circumstances leading to the virtual collapse of Harare Central Hospital
with a view to reviving one of Zimbabwe's biggest health institutions.

The Herald was yesterday inundated with phone calls from concerned citizens,
some emotional, who said those responsible for the situation undermined
efforts by the Government to bring health to all.

"Some people are responsible for this collapse and they should be made
accountable. They have to explain because anyone would conclude that the
Government was ignoring these institutions, yet some people tasked with
managing these operations sit on these things," said one caller.

A Mr Mhunga of Mutare said patients' rights must be recognised and
protected.

"The Government is injecting trillions of dollars into the health sector. It
is sad to note that instead of putting that money into the development and
maintenance of public hospitals that cater mainly for the poor, someone
could be channelling those funds elsewhere for unimportant or unrelated
things," Mr Mhunga said.

He said it was important that irregularities in such important sectors such
as health are exposed for the development of the country.

Another woman from Harare who sounded hurt by the situation at the hospital
urged all Zimbabweans to donate towards the refurbishment of the health
institution.

"This is our own disaster and it's up to us to do something about it. We can
have the hospital refurbished before the end of the year. I urge all
Zimbabweans to pool resources and help."

Some medical doctors who phoned said they had long back written to the
Ministry of Health and Child Welfare warning of the looming crisis at the
hospital.

"Someone was sitting on the papers and no action was taken. We were worried
by the fact that the laboratory was not functioning, but there was money
coming from somewhere to pay for specimens taken to private hospitals," the
doctor said.

The 1 428-bed hospital, a national referral centre, is on the verge of
collapse owing to neglect and most of its equipment is obsolete.

Five of its elevators have broken down; many toilets and sinks are blocked;
part of the ceiling leaks badly; the laboratory equipment and anaesthetic
are operating at a reduced capacity while three out of the five dialysis
machines, which patients with kidney failure cannot do without, are not in
good working order.

This has put under threat lives of hundreds of patients referred from
different parts of the country weekly.

Yesterday four officials from the Health Ministry, including the permanent
secretary, Dr Elizabeth Xaba, conducted a tour of inspection of Harare
Central Hospital.

"We now have the foreign currency to buy the elevators and there were
problems with the tender but the issue is being worked upon," Dr Xaba said.

She said senior nurses from various departments have the right to request
for direct audience with the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr David
Parirenyatwa, whenever they saw the need for refurbishment of machinery and
equipment in their wards and departments and over any other matters relating
to the satisfactory performance of their tasks and duties.

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SOKWANELE

Enough is Enough

Zimbabwe

PROMOTING NON-VIOLENT PRINCIPLES TO ACHIEVE DEMOCRACY

We have a fundamental right to freedom of expression!

(www.sokwanele.com)

 

PRESS RELEASE URGENT
Sokwanele : 27 January 2005

Introducing the SADC Check List

Zimbabwe’s parliamentary elections are now a matter of weeks away.  The country is in “election mode” with a final decision still awaited from the MDC whether to  participate, and all manner of fraud, violence and behind-the-scenes machinations going on in the ZANU (PF) camp as contestants battle it out through their primaries.

 

ZANU (PF) has rushed through parliament a whole range of new legislation obviously intended to be in place for the March elections.  The laws are detailed and complex, and not easy to follow.  The Electoral Act alone runs to 116 pages and then there is the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act, not to mention many other statutes that have a major bearing on the conduct of the elections.    The average Zimbabwean feels thoroughly confused by all this, and the international community hardly knows what to make of it all.  Quite deliberately so.  This is precisely the effect ZANU (PF) wishes to achieve, and from this confusion they intend to convince the world that the electoral reforms bring Zimbabwe into compliance with the standards for democratic elections laid down by SADC in Mauritius in August 2004. 

 

So does the raft of new legislation introduced by ZANU (PF) really help to “level the playing field” as they claim ?   How does Zimbabwe match up to the regional (SADC) standards to which Mugabe signed up last year ?    What prospect is there of a “fair and free” election in March, in this environment and under this regime  ?

 

SOKWANELE –ZVAKWANA understands these to be crucial questions upon which the destiny of Zimbabwe, not to say the peace and prosperity of the whole Southern African region, depends.  Hence it is absolutely essential that the haze and confusion now surrounding the election issue, be dispersed.   The people of Zimbabwe and their friends in the region - who only want for them freedom, democracy and peace - must be able to see through the smoke-and-mirror tactics of those who are deliberately creating confusion to serve their own narrow and selfish interests. 

 

For this reason SOKWANELE-ZVAKWANA have studied the new raft of ZANU (PF) legislation very closely and carried out their own careful research to establish objectively where the truth lies.  And now we present you with a summary of our findings, not judging ZANU (PF) performance by some foreign, imported, standards, but by the very standards to which they claim to subscribe.  Point by point we measure the ZANU (PF) government’s performance against the SADC standards. 

 

For all those who wish to be well-informed about the Zimbabwean elections and to be able to make a sound judgment about just how “fair and free” they are likely to be, this short document is a must.

 

The full document, titled ‘Zimbabwe Electoral Legislation: Check List against SADC Principles Governing Democratic Elections’ is available for downloading from www.sokwanele.com. If you would like to receive a copy by email, please request it from sokwanele_zim@yahoo.com. (The Check List is an MSWord document, just over 18 pages in length, contains no images, and is 108KB in size).

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JUSTICE FOR AGRICULTURE OPEN LETTER FORUM, 27th January 2005 OLF No. 330

Email: jag@mango.zw; justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
Internet: www.justiceforagriculture.com

Please send any material for publication in the Open Letter Forum to:
jag@mango.zw with subject line "For: Open Letter Forum".

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Thought of the Day:

"Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."

Elie Wiesel

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Letter 1: RE: Fighting for Justice (OLF 329), received 26 January 2005

by John Robinson

Dear Editor,

It is a great comfort to hear that the CFU is "fighting for a transparent,
democratic government" as per Jean Simon's letter. This is wonderful news.

Mrs. Simon is a gallant fighter. However, the fascinating aspect of her
assertions is the fact that it is she, Mrs. Simon, who has to tell us about
CFU policy - rather than the deeds or words of the CFU displaying courage
and leadership by leading from the front. The mental picture of Doug, Stoff
and perhaps a director, hiding behind a big floral frilly pink apron might
well indicate that Mrs. Simon's time has come. What sort of farmers seek
leadership from grown men that have to hide behind a lady's apron and then
pretend to be in charge? Seemingly, not Matabeleland farmers nor Joe Whaley
at the moment. The only other logical reason to follow such leadership
would be out of sheer curiosity!

I would think that Roy Bennett (MP) is a commercial farmer by Mrs. Simon's
definitions. As of today, Wednesday 26th January, 2005 I have not seen any
formal statement from the CFU regarding the treatment of this member of The
Union.

A formal statement from The Union regarding Bennett's treatment would go a
long way to bringing some form of much needed unity that Mrs. Simon has
quite correctly referred to. Should a statement have been issued, and we
have missed it please could Mrs. Simon or the CFU share this with us - or
in fact any recent statement from the CFU indicating its new policy as
"faithfully enunciated" by Mrs. Simon. Surely, this will be the proof of
the pudding?

To "fight for a transparent, democratic government" (J. Simon) is a
somewhat different policy to a "deepened and strengthened committment to
dialogue" - to save the Burma Valley farmers? (D. Hasluck) - in my opinion,
of course.

J.L. Robinson.

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Letter 2: Centenary Too, received 26 January 2005

by Mabunu

Dear JAG

As a past pupil of Thornhill High school in Gweru, I was reading our
newsletter which we get on a monthly basis. The one I was reading was from
past pupils relating their past history. A farmers wife, a Mrs Gregson
Alcott, being a past pupil, seemed to be proud of the fact that they were
still on their farm & went on to say that lots of their friends had to
leave.

Perhaps she should have mentioned that they were forced off, & in most
cases violently. She goes on to say that they are now helping the new
farmers & teaching them how to farm!! They are helping the very people who
booted their so called friends off their farms. No wonder they are still on
their farm. They farm in the Centenary area, which she mentioned in her
letter. I hope they sleep well at night!!

Regards Mabunu

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Letter 3: RE: Fighting for Justice (OLF 229), received 27 January 2005

by Ben Freeth

Dear JAG

I am surprised to hear that Mrs. Simon believes that the CFU is in fighting
mode and fighting for "transparent, democratic government".

There is a saying that goes: "if you believe in something become a part of
it". I was told by the CFU hierarchy when I sent an e-mail out to this
effect in 2002 that this was "unhelpful". I was subsequently suspended by
the Union and have yet to have one of those "transparent and democratic"
things known as a "a fair hearing". If the Union really is fighting for
"transparent and democratic government" why does it not start by practicing
what it believes in?

If the Union leadership believes in the law why does it continue to fail to
use it? (the crocodile loves this).

If the Union leadership believes in exposing injustice why did it close the
farmer magazine and stop putting out sitreps? (the crocodile smiles sweetly
at this ).

If the Union leadership believes in a civic society that wants democracy
why does it remain aloof and not join the crisis coalition? (this is good
for the crocodile too).

If the Union leadership believes in accountability why does it not support
the JAG Loss Claim Document? (it would not do to hurt the dear crocodiles
that are only a bit hungry at the moment).

If the Union leadership believes in compensation and restitution why does
it not sign on to the compensation coalition? (a united front on
restitution and compensation is certainly not in the crocodiles interest).

Mrs Simons call for people to join the Union on the basis that if they do
so they may be able to change things from within . Taken to its logical
conclusion this is surly much the same as a call to join ZANU PF so that
you can influence things from within there too. Personally, I can not
really see the difference.

It is better rather to become a part of a movement that openly advocates
something that you believe in , whatever that may be.  In the CFU Midlands
Trevor Shaw was elected chairman because he openly believes in appeasement.
His letter is clear proof of this. The farmers remain members of the CFU
there because they obviously believe in the same. They have not ousted him
because he is faithfully enunciating CFU policy in the Midlands.

Many have wasted much energy in trying to change this policy of
appeasement. Unfortunately there is a belief that pockets come before
principles amongst a large proportion of commercial farmers still on the
land in our country. The Matabele tried to change things from within and
with the best will in the world they could not do this; so they formed a
similarly constituted body known as SACFA which, unlike the CFU , does have
leaders that have courage and integrity. Currently they publicly stand for
democratic principles like challenging unjust laws and bringing
accountability. It is good to have the options.

Will the fight for democracy be achieved by feeding the crocodile? It is
important to answer this because this is very much the policy of the man
due to take over the CFU presidency this year too - however nice a chap
Stoff may be.

I would not say that feeding the "crocodile" (through membership dues) that
is in turn feeding "THE CROCODILES", is particularly sound use of limited
resources. But we all have our own choices to make in life; and ultimately
we will all be accountable for the choices we made.

Ben Freeth

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Letter 4: RE: CFU - Prayers Answered, received 26 Janaury 2005

by Cock-a-Doodle-do

Dear Editor,

Mrs. Simon's revelation of the CFU as now being Born Again fighters for
justice and democracy is surely an answer to Benjamin Freeth's prayer at
Congress nearly two and half years ago? Seemingly, Freeth heard The Jongwe
crow over 800 times whilst he has been out in the wilderness - having
declined to be "paid off" by the CFU a number of times throughout that
period.

It is wonderful news that the CFU has seen the light and that Freeth will
be brought back into the flock.

Cock a Doodle do.

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THE JAG TEAM

JAG Hotlines:
(011) 205 374 If you are in trouble or need advice,

(011) 863 354 please don't hesitate to contact us -
(011) 431 068 we're here to help!

263 (04) 799 410 Office Lines

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JUSTICE FOR AGRICULTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, Updated 27th January 2005

Please send any adverts for publication in the JAG Job Opportunities
newsletter to: jag@mango.zw with subject line "Job Opportunities".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Employment OFFERED
- Employment SOUGHT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. EMPLOYMENT OFFERED

1.1 Qualified Nursery School/Computer Teacher, received 20 January 2005

Wanted for nursery school in Avondale a preferably qualified infant or
nursery school teacher, English speaking. Will consider an experienced lady
who has worked in a nursery school before.

Also wanted, a person to teach 4-5 year old's basic computers one morning
(2 hours) a week during the school term.

Contact:
Tel 04-884294 afternoons or evenings.
email gandami@mweb.co.zw.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.2 SOUGHT: Domestic Worker/Gardener, received 25 January 2005

We are looking for a domestic worker, to do general house work, full time
or 3 times a week in Hatfield area near the SPA.
We do have accommodation.

We are also looking for a gardener, full time or part time.
Accommodation is available.

Contact:
Tel: 04-620861 to 8
or 04-620851to 6
Cell 091-322 257 Mr Smit
email ksmit@tregprod.co.zw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.3 LODGE MANAGERS WANTED, 27 January 2005

Vacancy for a lodge manager or couple to run up-market, fun Safari Lodge
just an hour outside of Harare.

The position requires an ambitious, forward thinking, outgoing
individual/couple.  A great positon for the right people.

Should you be interested, please fax your resume as well as cover letter
through to 0628 44100 or email to lafrance@zol.co.zw.

NO CHANCERS PLEASE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT

2.1 Recommended: PAINTER/PLASTERER - Eric

I can thoroughly recommend him for all painting and plastering. He is very
experienced and reliable.

He can be contacted by leaving a message at Chitungwisa 070 -26384.
For reference, contact Mrs. Muller 304440.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2 SEEKING: Secretarial/Administrator, received 24 January 2005

Age 36. Position Secretarial/ administrator all qualifications, strong
qualities and hard working. Able to work on her own and lots of
experience. Very loyal.

Contact:
Cavel 091-362043.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3 WANTED: ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER POSITION

Part time or temporary work in accounting or bookkeeping. Experienced,
contactable references.

Contact: Olga Moerman
04-499 456
091 315 250
email: olgamm@zol.co.zw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.4 WANTED: SECRETARIAL/BOOKKEEPING

Wanted Secretarial/bookkeeping part time, or full time.

Contact:
04-203 309
091-250 990
email: star@zol.co.zw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.5 WANTED: BOOKS TO BE PREPARED

For work at home or in situ up to balance sheet, tax submissions, etc.

Qualified accountant.

Contact:
star@zol.co.zw
olga@zol.co.zw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.6 SEEKING: Workshop Manger, received 25 January 2005

Ex Farmer seeking employment in or around Harare. Last position held
workshop Manager.

Jacob Smit
age 44 years
married
no children

For CV or an appointment please leave a message at the following numbers

cell: 091 322 257
cell: 011 716 103 messages only
or email
ksmit@tregprod.co.zw

------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Sunday Times SA
Zimbabwe acid spill threatens water supply

Friday January 28, 2005 11:46 - (SA) 

 
 
HARARE - A cargo train that went off the rails in south-eastern Zimbabwe has spilled 40,000 litres of sulphuric acid near the catchment area of a dam, threatening the local water supply, a local newspaper said.

The accident occurred on Wednesday when the cargo train went off the tracks just outside the town of Gwanda, the state-run daily said.

One container disgorged 40,000 litres of sulphuric acid into a stream that feeds the Mtshabezi river and a catchment area for the Mtshabezi dam which supplies Gwanda with drinking water.

The spokesman of the Matabeleland South province, where Gwanda is located, said residents had been warned not to use water from river or the dam.

Gwanda is about 100 kilometres from the country's second city Bulawayo.

The train was running between Beitbridge, the main land frontier outpost with South Africa, and Bulawayo.

Alex Sibanda, manager of the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway, said his company was working with the government and environmentalists to minimise the effects of the spillage.

"We are trying to localise the effects of the chemical by barricading the area," he said.

Environment Africa Foundation, a private body, meanwhile issued a warning.

Its public relations officer, June Muchemenyi-Nazare, said the chemical was "extremely toxic," adding: "there is danger of seepage to the water table."

AFP
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Zim Indep.
Zim not submitting AU reports
Ndamu Sandu

ZIMBABWE has four overdue reports to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) dating back to 1999, it has emerged. Signatories to the Commission are given timeframes to submit periodic reports and there are growing concerns that Zimbabwe might miss the deadline to submit another report, which is due in May.

The Zimbabwe Independent can reveal that Zimbabwe, which ratified the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on May 30 1986, has submitted only two reports to the African Commission since.

The Commission last year released a damning report on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe following a fact-finding mission three years ago, prompting an angry government reaction.

Zimbabwe’s first re-port, submitted in October 1992, combined reports from 1988 to 1992, while the second report combined reports from 1994 to 1996.

Secretary to the Af-rican Commission, Ger-main Baricako, in response to questions from the Independent said Zimbabwe last submitted reports in 1996 and now had four overdue.

Baricako said that the Commission “has adopted Guidelines on State Reporting that indicate the minimum requirements of State Periodic Reports and these guidelines have been widely disseminated to all State Parties to the African Charter”.

The African Commission, Baricako said, has a secretariat that “reminds states on a quarterly basis on the necessity to submit their reports”.

Baricako said that although the African Commission does not carry out any

punitive measures against states that do not submit their reports, at each Ordinary Session of the Commission, the status of submission of reports is compiled and made public.

Justice ministry permanent secretary David Mangota said although the periodic reports were supposed to be submitted in periods of two years, there was an allowance for countries to consolidate their reports into one.

“The African Commission has given countries that have fallen behind their reporting periods the leeway to consolidate all outstanding reports into one report highlighting the developments and extent of implementation since the last report was submitted,” he said.

Mangota said submissions are done by the end of the next reporting period, which is May 30 for Zimbabwe.

He attributed the delay to high staff turnover, “crip-pling operations of some of (the ministry’s) critical areas”, but said the coun-try had responded to all issues raised during appearances before the Commission including reporting obligations.

An institution of the African Union (AU), the ACHPR was established in 1987 as an enforcement mechanism under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

It was created to promote and protect rights in the African Charter, to engage in conflict resolution and to investigate violations of abuses.

According to its mandate, the Commission can consider complaints brought against state parties by individuals or other states, under Articles 55-59 of the African Charter. The Commission can take resolutions and make recommendations on human rights questions, which the Assembly of heads of state and government must approve.

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Correction

In our story of January 21 , “Govt move to curtail voting rights”, we attributed the quote below to political analyst Emmanuel Magade.

“That notice was only published once in the Herald and obviously this is not the most effective way of notifying the people who provided the so-called incorrect details as alleged by the RG. A close analysis of the details will reveal that the largest number of people who allegedly provided incorrect details live in known MDC strongholds such as Mbare and the greater part of Harare. And the RG wants to strike their names from the voters’ roll. It is wrong.”

We would like to place it on record that this statement was not made by Dr Emmanuel Magade who is Executive Dean in the Faculty of Law at the University of Zimbabwe.

The mix-up is regretted. – Editor.

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The Mail & Guardian (SA), 27 January

Zim poll: Free and fair?

Daniel Molokele

In Mauritius in August the Southern African Development Community (SADC) adopted the protocol on ‘Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections’. Most analysts hailed it as a major step towards promoting a culture of participatory democracy and good governance in the region. Zimbabwe’s election would be the litmus test. Harare claims it is compliant with the protocol having initiated reforms that include the enactment of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Bill. But human-rights lawyer Daniel Molokele’s reality check has found that the Zanu PF government has set out to hoodwink SADC leaders with reforms he likens to democratic window dressing. He argues that a closer look will show that the concept of a credible election in March is a political mirage.

Independent electoral institutions and the judiciary

In terms of Article 2.2.7 of the protocol, all SADC member states must ensure, prior to any elections, "the independence of the judiciary and the impartiality of the electoral institutions".

The reality:

In the past few years the government has purged all judges it has deemed to be unsympathetic to its political interests. About half of the judges, in both the Supreme and High Courts have left the Bench as a result of the erosion of the rule of law, harassment and the government’s contemptuous disregard of court orders. An example is a November 2000 incident when a group of ruling party militants stormed the Supreme Court, while police watched. The government said it could no longer guarantee Chief Justice Anthony Gubbay’s security and he resigned shortly afterwards. The new Chief Justice, Godfrey Chidyausiku, is a former deputy minister. The judiciary has also delayed finalising disputes that stem from the 2000 election. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) won 57 of the 120 seats. It lodged challenges to the results in 37 constituencies; eight were ruled in its favour but the courts have yet to adjudicate appeals filed by Zanu PF. An attempt was made to set up an independent electoral commission. However, it is neither constitutionally independent nor impartial since commissioners are hired and fired by the president. The role of the new commission is further compromised by the supplementary roles of such bodies as the Electoral Supervisory Commission, Electoral Delimitation Commission and the Registrar General’s office -- all stacked with Zanu PF yes men.

Equal opportunity of political parties to access the media

In terms of Article 2.2.5 of the protocol, SADC member states are also obliged to ensure that an equal opportunity to access the state media is granted to all political parties.

The reality:

Evidence on the ground is that there are no attempts to open up either the print or the electronic media in Zimbabwe. New media restrictions prohibiting journalists from working without a state-issued licence were signed into law as recently as January 14. Journalists disobeying the new rulings could face up to two years in jail. Dozens of journalists have been exiled or arrested in the past two years, while three newspapers, including the Daily News, have been shut down. The clampdown on the private press has not subsided. If anything, the present attempts to close down the new Bulawayo-based Weekly Mail only serve to confirm that the government is still intolerant of the idea of multiple media voices in Zimbabwe. Amendments were made to the already repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act that will further legally entrench the strong-arm tactics applied against the proponents of press freedom.The state media remain under the firm grip of the ruling party. The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation has ordered its news staff to give coverage to all political parties except the MDC, ostensibly because the party has suspended its participation in the elections.

Full participation of citizens in the political process

It is envisaged in terms of Article 2.1.1. that all SADC member states shall ensure that all citizens are allowed to participate fully in the political process.

The reality:

At present, most Zimbabweans might not be able to vote owing to the shambolic state of the voters’ roll. New voter registration processes are selective, while opposition supporters claim the roll has many dead people on it. Opposition supporters have been prohibited from registering for identity cards and have been denied the opportunity to check whether their names appear on the roll. Some might not participate in the elections because of the spectre of political violence. This perennial problem has been further aggravated by the fact that Zanu PF now has up to 50 000 youth militias as part of its election campaign team and war veterans have declared areas off limits to the opposition. The 2000 election result in the Buhera North Constituency was nullified by the High Court because of violence. Zanu PF appealed, but the court record went missing soon afterwards. The Grain Marketing Board has been denying food aid to those who are unable to produce Zanu PF membership cards. The NGO Bill has slapped a ban on civil society groups that receive foreign funding from conducting voter education. Only election observer teams that are approved by the government will be allowed into the country. l All these issues have raised genuine fears that the elections might be marred by voter apathy. A low turnout could only serve to undermine the credibility of the entire electoral process.

Freedom of association and political tolerance

In terms of Article 2.1.2-3, the SADC member states are expected to seek to promote such issues as freedom of association and political tolerance.

The reality:

Zimbabwe can hardly be said to be compliant with this provision while it has such repressive laws as the Public Order and Security Act. The law is currently being used zealously by the police force to crush any attempt by the opposition to hold public meetings and rallies. The recent arrests of MDC legislators Thokozani Khupe (Makokoba) and Nelson Chamisa (Kuwadzana) only serve to underline the concern that has also been noted by neighbour South Africa. Just last week the African National Congress issued a public statement expressing its regret that barely two months before the elections President Robert Mugabe’s government was still denying the MDC its legitimate right to freedom of assembly. In a recent 10-day period five MDC meetings were banned by the police. Recently police arrested about 100 MDC supporters during a constituency planning meeting, claiming the meeting was illegal. A strategic planning meeting of 15 MDC officials in Masvingo, chaired by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, was dissolved after the police insisted on sitting in on discussions.

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Comment from ZWNEWS, 28 January
Searching under the street light
In all the confusion over what is at issue in the current Zimbabwe crisis, a few points seem to have been entirely missed. Firstly, a number of public opinion surveys have shown that land is not a concern for the ordinary Zimbabwean. In the two surveys conducted by Afrobarometer - in 1999 and 2004 - less than 1% (1999) and only 4% (2004) of those surveyed considered land to be an important political issue.. Secondly, whilst land was an issue during the liberation struggles, it was not the primary issue. The major issue was enfranchisement, for it was by denying the majority of Zimbabweans the vote that the various white governments maintained their control of political power. The calls for majority rule and one man, one vote were at the core of the struggles between black and white through the sixties and seventies. Thirdly, the resolution of the Rhodesian crisis came through a poll in which universal franchise occurred for the very first time. It was exactly a one man, one vote election that brought Zanu PF to power, where they have remained ever since.
This is all very relevant to the forthcoming elections, where Zanu PF is trumpeting land and anti-imperialism as its election slogans. Everyone else is taken up with the technical question of whether the elections will conform to the much-vaunted SADC Principles and Guidelines. By concentrating on this technical issue is to behave like the man who has lost his car keys in the dark and insists on searching under the street light because he can see there. Focussing on the SADC Principles and Guidelines is to forget that the biggest issue in this election is disenfranchisement. Here lies the similarity with the pre-independence era. Notwithstanding the Smith government’s dependence on military power, it was most concerned to prevent the black population from voting, for it was clear to all that universal franchise would end white supremacy in one fell swoop. And when finally the country and the region were in near-chaos, the one man, one vote demand finally prevailed and Zimbabwe came into being. It seems little different now.
The country is in near-chaos in almost every way imaginable, and the region too is suffering. Millions of Zimbabweans are refugees, whether because of economics or political threat or fear. The country is hopelessly polarized, with the government determined to hold onto power by all means. And the major means by which this is achieved is by subverting the process of the ballot, which is why there is this over-weaning preoccupation with the SADC Principles and Guidelines. The question that needs to be considered by all is quite simple. Will strict observance of the SADC Principles and Guidelines resolve the crisis, or will it be better solved by one man, one vote, as it was in 1980. Establishing the consensus about what kind of future Zimbabweans want is not a technical matter, resolved by whether there is an independent electoral commission or all political parties having equal access to the media: the consensus will emerge through a poll in which all Zimbabweans have their say. This is the real crisis over these elections. As has become obvious in past elections, there is a systematic campaign to disenfranchise the electorate. This is done by making it near impossible to register as a voter. It is done by stealing identity documents, and by reducing the number of polling stations so that people can queue for three days and still not vote. It is done by denying all those outside the country a postal vote. In all these myriad ways, millions of Zimbabweans are unable to vote and express their view of the direction the country should take.
But we have become boxed into the technical question of whether the elections conform to the standards of SADC, not whether they will represent the legitimate expression of the peoples’ will, as the ANC would have it. Surely the legitimate expression of the peoples’ will means that the majority of the people voted, and their votes decide who governs. In the recent South African election, the ANC were given a huge mandate by a very large proportion of the vote, and a very large proportion of the electorate voted. Those who did not vote did not do so because there were barriers in their way, but because they simply chose not to vote. There is a simple solution to this problem, and it lies squarely in the hands of Mugabe. He has changed the electoral regulations before, and he could do so again. The solution is this: allow everyone to vote. Count all the votes at every polling station, and, for every constituency, the winner will emerge. As in 1980, there is no need for a voters roll, merely a roll of every registered identity document in the country available at every polling station. We can all vote near our homes, and the solution to Zimbabwe’s governmental crisis will be decided by the population. Or we can carry on looking for our keys under the street light.
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US puts citizens on alert
Staff Writer

THE United States government this week said US citizens should consider delaying planned trips to Zimbabwe until at least the end of the March.

The State Department said in a statement that the security situation in the country ahead of the March poll was deteriorating as President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF moves to fight off the biggest challenge yet to his 40-year old ruling party from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

“US citizens residing in or travelling to Zimbabwe should be aware of continuing conditions that could adversely affect their personal security in the period preceding, during and possibly immediately after, the general election,” it said.

It urged Americans now in Zimbabwe to exercise caution when travelling within the country, avoid demonstrations and “refrain from taking pictures or videos of political rallies”.

“American citizens should consider postponement of non-essential travel until at least April 2005,” it said.

The statement noted that Mugabe, who the State Department has harshly criticised in recent months, had pushed through a tough new security law that makes it illegal to undermine the president’s authority or engender hostility towards him, including speaking negatively about him in public.

The law also makes it a crime to speak negatively of the police.

Two weeks ago Mugabe signed into law a Bill that would impose heavy curbs on local press and criminalise the journalism profession.

Zim Independent

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Zim Independent
Police place MDC under siege
Staff Writer

AS the harassment of opposition supporters continues unabated ahead of the parliamentary election due in March, police in Bulawayo this week arrested two Movement for Democratic Change activists for distributing flyers urging members of the public to go and inspect the voters’ roll.

Police in Lobengula picked up the two MDC activists, Nompilo Ncube and Shepherd Chigumbura, on Tuesday as they moved around distributing flyers.

The two were arrested and taken to Magwegwe police station where they were detained overnight.

MDC Bulawayo spokesman Victor Moyo confirmed the arrest of the two activists and said police have not indicated what charges would be brought against the two.

“As it is at the moment, we are still awaiting to hear from the police what charges they are levelling against our members but we have instructed our lawyers to take the matter up with the police,” Moyo said.

The lawyer representing the two late on Wednesday said he was not aware what his clients were being charged with but said he would pursue the matter further.

“The phones at Magwegwe police station are not going through and at the moment it is difficult to see my client because the police give different excuses,” Mathonsi said.

“The police will most likely charge them under certain sections of Posa.”

The arrest of the two activists comes barely two days after police arrested Makokoba MP, Thokozani Khupe, together with 100 party supporters who were holding a private meeting at her restaurant in the city.

The state on Tuesday also arrested MDC Kuwadzana MP Nelson Chamisa on allegations of inciting public violence. He was however released after the state said it would proceed by way of summons.

Moyo said the spate of arrests of opposition members and supporters was characteristic of Zanu PF’s tactics of using state-sponsored harassment against the opposition.

“The spate of arrests of MDC MPs and opposition supporters is Zanu PF’s tactics of intimidating the people ahead of the election. The way the opposition is always hunted down shows that the political field is not even,” he said.

Moyo said the unfolding events would be used by the MDC as determinants on whether or not to participate in the forthcoming elections.

“Our decision to participate in the elections will be determined by among other things these cases taking place now. With the intensification of state-sponsored violence, it would be difficult to make a positive result,” Moyo said.

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