AFRICA/ZIMBABWE - 32 countries invited to send observers for March elections in Zimbabwe

Harare (Fides Service)- Observers from 32 countries will monitor legislative elections on 31 March in Zimbabwe. The news was announced by Zimbabwe’s foreign minister Stan Mudenge. The minister said President Robert Mugabe had invited observers from 23 countries in Africa, 5 in Asia, 3 in America and Russia, the only European country invited, but that neither the European Union nor the United States were asked.
Observers will also come from international and regional organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the Common Market of Southern and Eastern Africa and the Movement of Non Aligned Countries.
For some time the European Union and the United States have accused President Mugabe of using intimidation, violence and corruption to win the last two elections. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2005 righe 16 parole 155)