EU Concerned by Allegations of Election Irregularities in Zimbabwe

via EU Ashton: Concerned by Allegations of Election Irregularities in Zimbabwe – WSJ.com.

The European Union said Wednesday it was concerned by allegations of irregularities in Zimbabwe’s recent election in a sign the bloc may not suspend remaining sanctions on the country.

In a statement issued by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on behalf of EU member states, she said the EU “takes note” of the announced election results.

“The EU is worried by the allegations of irregularities and information indicating voter registration may have been incomplete as well as by the…lack of transparency,” the statement said.

The EU “will continue to follow how the situation evolves and will work closely with its international partners in the coming weeks.”

Official results of the July 31 election gave longtime President Robert Mugabe 61% of the ballot, against his main rival Morgan Tsvangirai’s 34%.

Mr. Tsvangirai has contested the results alleging large-scale fraud.

The EU has scaled back much of its decade-old sanctions on Zimbabwe but had maintained travel bans and other measures on Mr. Mugabe and his top officials pending the elections.

Write to Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com