Brussels, 27/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - A delegation of six MEPs took part in the observation of the legislative elections in Zimbabwe, the 24 and 25 June, and went to two areas especially sensitive in the North East and Centre of the country. The German Christian Democrat Michael Gahler, who lead the European Parliament delegation, felt that the election took place in a relatively calm manner, despite certain acts of intimidation. The presence of international observers contributed to the notable reduction of violence, said Mr. Gahler, who welcomed the degree of competence shown by the members of the polling stations and the courage of the population in the election despite the intimidation and acts of violence that littered the pre-election period. Around 10% of the participants in the election where prevented from voting for several reasons generally linked to irregularities in the electoral registration process, he noted. The members of the EP delegation other than Mr. Gahler where, the German Social Democrat Karin Junker, the British Conservative Eija-Riitta Korhola, the Belgian Nelly Maes (Volksunie), the Spanish Socialist Emillio Menendez del Valle and the British Conservative Neil Parish. The MEPs shares the first analysis made by Pierre Schori (Socialist, Sweden) who chairs the EU observation mission (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.6) and will carefully examine his final report that will take into account the management of the post-election period.
The European Commission spokesperson also welcomed "the courage of the people of Zimbabwe" who dared "express its democratic will despite the intimidation and violence." He indicated that the Commission will await Mr. Schori's final report, foreseen for 3 July, before drawing conclusion for the future of EU relations with Zimbabwe.