SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN ADVANCE OF ZIMBABWE’S WEEKEND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
URGES PEOPLE TO VOTE WITHOUT FEAR, IN KNOWLEDGE BALLOT IS SECRET
The following statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan was issued today in New York:
This weekend, the people of Zimbabwe go to the polls in presidential elections.� I encourage them to exercise their democratic right to vote for the candidate of their choice, without fear and in the knowledge that the ballot is secret.
As I have previously said, I believe it essential that the political leadership of Zimbabwe should be decided through the ballot box; and that the will of the people is respected regardless of the outcome of this weekend’s election; and further, that once the will of the people is fairly expressed, all sides commit themselves to national reconciliation.
I attach the highest importance to the vote count being completed without interference or manipulation and the result announced without delay.� A credible and fully transparent process is the best way to ensure that the result of the election is accepted by all as reflecting the will of the voters.
I remain acutely concerned at reports that the elections may be accompanied or followed by violence.� I appeal to all parties and individuals to show the utmost restraint, and to pursue their objectives by constitutional means, in accordance with the law.� In democratic elections there are always losers as well as winners.� Democracy depends on the losers respecting the outcome, and on the winners respecting the civil and political rights of the losers.
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