AU on Zimbabwe

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mr. Jean Ping, following consultations with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), H.E. Mr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, undertook a three day mission to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe from the 3rd to the 5th of May 2008, the purpose of which was to consult and gather information on the situation in Zimbabwe in the aftermath of the 29 March elections.

The AUC Chairperson was accompanied by the Commissioners for Political Affairs, Mrs. Julia Dolly Joiner and Peace and Security, Amb. Ramtane Lamamra. The Mission provided the opportunity for very useful consultations with President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, SADC Facilitator, Dr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, President of Zambia and current Chairperson of SADC and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. A working visit was also organized with the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Hon. Justice George M. Chiwashe, in the course of which extensive discussions were held on the unfolding electoral process and explanations provided for among other issues, the delay experienced in the announcement of the results of the Presidential poll.

The African Union noted the announcement of the result of the Presidential poll by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in which the MDC (Tsvangirai) candidate Morgan Tsvangirai got 47.9%, ZANU (PF) candidate Robert Mugabe garnered 43.2%, Simba Makoni, 8.3% and Longton Towungana, 0.6% of the vote. In terms of Section 110 of the Electoral Act of the Republic of Zimbabwe, an electoral run off is accordingly called for. In this respect, the AU urges the ZEC to ensure that the said run off is undertaken as provided for in the Electoral Act.

The AU will continue to play an active role in assessing all further developments in preparing for the effective observation of this election with a view to providing an independent judgment on its outcome.

In the run-up to the second round of the Presidential poll, the AU re-emphasizes the need for Zimbabwe to implement the conditions set out in the Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; urges that agreements reached and the conditions prevailing prior to the 29 March polls be upheld; appeals to all the Zimbabwe political actors to conduct their activities in a free, transparent, tolerant, and non-violent manner to enable eligible Zimbabweans exercise their democratic rights. It is essential also that peace and security be maintained, and that the will of the people be respected by all stakeholders once the results are announced.

The African Union restates its commitment, in full support of the SADC efforts and President Mbeki’s mediation, to ensure that the best possible conditions are created for the people of Zimbabwe in the successful completion of the ongoing electoral process.

Done in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 06 May 2008

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