Open Letter from Zimbabwe Netzwerk e.V. to the SADC Governments concerning the run-off elections in Zimbabwe on 27 June 2008-05-23

We are turning to you out of deep concern over the increasing extent of political violence in Zimbabwe. Under such conditions free and fair presidential run-off elections scheduled for June 27 2008 are not feasible.

There are reports of acts of violence committed by supporters of both sides. However, the great majority of these reports agree that in most cases victims of this violence are members or supporters of MDC or people suspected of being sympathisers of MDC. There are reports of extremely brutal assaults, of torture, murder and destruction of property. According to these reports violence is directed towards men and women, old and young, individuals and whole communities and social groups. They become targets of assault because they "did not vote correctly" in the March 29 elections, or because they were election officers or observers. Many people have fled from areas heavily affected by violence.

It is particularly worrying that, apparently up to now official authorities have not taken action against these perpetrators of violence, especially when they are ZANU-PF supporters. Thus perpetrators of violence are given a free for all.

The executive secretary of SADC, Tomaz Salomao, stated that presently there are neither safe conditions nor guarantees for a fair running of the run-off elections. President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, appointed mediator for Zimbabwe, sent a high powered commission of inquiry into the violence to Zimbabwe. We welcome such steps.

For free and fair elections according to SADC principles and guidelines to take place on 27 June, an immediate end to political violence is essential. Perpetrators must be brought to book by police and jurisdiction. Both sides must be given a chance to campaign freely for their candidates from now on. We appeal to SADC , governments of all member states and President Thabo Mbeki as appointed mediator to do everything possible to attain this target.

We also consider it necessary for SADC to send the appointed group of election observers to Zimbabwe as early as possible for them to be in a position to watch election preparations and see if violence and intimidation have come to an end before elections. Bearing in mind experiences made during the 29 March elections, these observers have to stay on after election day at least until results will be announced.

Many of the members of the German organisation "Zimbabwe Netzwerk e.V." worked in Zimbabwe and have for many years promoted the development of independent Zimbabwe. We are convinced that it is of paramount importance for a solution to the deep and painful crisis of Zimbabwe that in the run-off elections the people of Zimbabwe will be able to take their decision without intimidation and force. Any further aggravation of the existing situation will lead to negative consequences within the whole region.

Bielefeld / Goch 23/05/2008