§ Baroness Ludfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they are exerting pressure on Zimbabwe to hold a free and fair presidential election later this year. [HL2727]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)We are working with our EU partners, and others in the international community, to ensure the widest possible range of independent observers are present in the run-up to, and during, the forthcoming presidential elections.
On 28 January the EU decided to impose targeted sanctions on senior members of the Government of 171WA Zimbabwe if they prevent the deployment of an EU election observation mission; or if they later prevent the mission operating effectively; they prevent the international media having free access to cover the election; there is a serious deterioration on the ground, in terms of a worsening of the human rights situation or attacks on the opposition; or the election is assessed as not being free and fair.
Four EU representatives are now setting up the observation mission in Zimbabwe. Team leader, Pierre Schori arrived on 10 February. We expect the advance party of 30 observers to arrive by the end of the week.
In addition, we have strongly supported efforts to ensure access for an election observation team from the Commonwealth. On 30 January the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) called on the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that there is an immediate end to violence and intimidation; that all parties in the election be allowed to campaign freely; and that the people of Zimbabwe are able to make an unfettered and informed choice in the elections.
An advance Commonwealth Secretariat team arrived in Zimbabwe on 4 February. A team of observers is expected to follow in the near future.