As Transparency International Zambia, we are concerned that the current situation prevailing in Zimbabwe borders on political corruption as voters are being displaced, harassed and intimidated to create room for one candidate to have an advantage over the opposition. We have seen that political corruption is taking place at the highest levels of the political system, when politicians and state agents entitled to make and enforce the laws in the name of the people, are using this authority to sustain their power. This is contrary to any democratic dispensation and against natural justice. We can no longer manage to tolerate such impunity for President Mugabe’s regime who is disregarding the rule of law for private benefits.
We call on all the SADC heads of states to be decisive and take a similar stance and support the SADC chairperson’s position and do more as the current situation in Zimbabwe fails to meet minimum election campaign standards. If other SADC heads of states decide not to back Dr. Mwanawasa, the effects from Zimbabwe will undoubtedly affect the entire region which is already happening. We call on all key stakeholders who include the African Union, the United Nations, Human Rights Organisations, Civil Society and other key stakeholders to be very firm and urgently help in resolving the Zimbabwean political crisis before it degenerates.
We also wish to express our concerns over the manner in which the SADC appointed envoy who is South African President Thabo Mbeki has handled the Zimbabwean crisis with a soft approach. We would like to finally urge the Zimbabwean authorities to exercise tolerance and restraint towards other players in the political arena and heed to the advice of the SADC chairpersons advice.
Goodwell Lungu
Executive Director
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