Zimbabwe Elections 2011 & SA Stance

An important remark by South Africa's Deputy Foreign Minister, Marius Fransman, on the legality of forthcoming general elections in Zimbabwe is quoted by the chief reporter for The Zimbabwean of March 10 2011 :

"Any calls for elections without the finalisation of the constitution-making process are in breach of the GPA as well as the Consitution, which gives legitimacy to the inclusive government""

Minister Fransman made this "strongly worded statement" which, in the view of political analysts "may make little difference since Mugabe is hell bent on an election now.."

I disagree with these political analysts. I think that the SA Minister's statement makes a great deal of difference for the future of law abiding Zimbabweans, none of whom can be found in Mugabe's ranks at the present time. One can safely assume that with ongoing political intimidation and every kind of abuse of power emanating from the ruling elite, Mugabe will re-instal himself as President, illegal or not. It is vital that South Africa in particular and the SADC in general should hold the words of Minister Fransman at the very pinnacle of the arguments which will follow yet another electoral farce which will take place this year.


Copyright © 2004 Diana Mitchell