§ Baroness Howells of St Davidsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have seen the report from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs on the prospects for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. [HL2638]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalI understand that a distinguished, international delegation organised by the National Democratic Institute visited Zimbabwe from 15 to 22 May. After over 30 meetings with representatives of government, political parties and civil society the delegation called for "heightened 117WA observation" of the elections by the international community. Their findings reflect an atmosphere of anxiety and fear, a news bias in favour of the ruling party and that the Registrar General has so far failed to establish an open and transparent electoral process. We hope that the delegation's observations are closely heeded in Zimbabwe.