STATEMENT BY JACK STRAW ON THE ZIMBABWE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

'The full results of Zimbabwe's parliamentary elections are not yet clear. But what is clear is that the elections were seriously flawed, and that Mugabe has yet again denied ordinary Zimbabweans a free and fair opportunity to vote, further prolonging the political and economic crisis he has inflicted on their country.

'We will make a full statement once all the results are known and we have assessed all available reports. But credible observers have noted that although there was less violence than during the 2000 and 2002 elections, harassment and intimidation by the ruling party and the government continued. There was some improvement in the mechanics of voting. But the voters' roll was severely compromised and thousands were turned away. The electoral commission was neither independent nor effective. In the preceding weeks and months, the government did not provide a conducive environment for free and fair elections: repressive legislation was in force to prevent freedom of speech and of association, government resources were used for partisan purposes, and there was hugely unequal access to the media. In sum, Zimbabwe’s 2005 parliamentary elections were fundamentally flawed and further weaken Mugabe’s legitimacy.

'Zimbabwe will continue to attract our closest attention: we want to see an end to bad government and bad policies and a return to accountable, democratic government which respects the rule of law and the human rights of its citizens. So do our EU, Commonwealth and other international partners. With the UK’s full support the EU recently decided to extend for another year its targeted measures against Mugabe’s regime. Until Zimbabwe addresses the concerns that led the EU to take this position, these measures should remain in force.

'Some say this is about Africa versus the West. It is not. It is about democracy versus dictatorship. Zimbabweans have shown that they are on the side of democracy, and that they want change, and many have condemned these elections. Other Africans, too, have been saying that enough is enough. We will continue to work with our international partners, with Africa, and with Zimbabweans, for an end to this desperate crisis.'

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