§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that international observers should have been present in Zimbabwe for the registration process for the forthcoming election. [HL2477]
§ Baroness AmosIdeally, independent observers should be present for as much as possible of the campaign prior to the election, as well as for the voting and counting afterwards. We have been working hard to ensure access for independent observer teams. On 28 January, EU Ministers agreed to impose targeted sanctions against the Government of Zimbabwe, which will be activated if: it prevents deployment of an EU observation mission starting by 3 February; it prevents any such mission from operating effectively; it prevents the international media from having free access to cover the election; there is a serious deterioration in the situation on the ground; the election is assessed by the EU as not being free and fair.