EU calls for calm

The European Union today called for calm and order as the results of yesterday’s elections become known.

In a statement, the EU, which said it will recognise the results of Zimbabwe elections if they were declared free and fair by African observers, thanked the Southern African Development Community and African Union for their efforts and encouraged them to continue supporting the election process in Zimbabwe.

Both SADC and the AU observer missions have declared the elections free and fair.

Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai has described them as a huge farce and has warned that there could be chaos in the country.

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the elections in Zimbabwe

The Spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, issued the following statement today:

“The High Representative recognises the importance of these elections for Zimbabwe and for the Southern African Development Community region as a whole. She commends the people of Zimbabwe for turning out in large numbers to cast their votes, in what were broadly peaceful elections. She calls upon on all parties to maintain calm and order as the results of the poll become known. The High Representative thanks SADC and the African Union for their efforts and encourages them to continue supporting the process.

The European Union is following events closely, in close consultation with SADC, the AU and other observers including civil society, in advance of the official results. It will await the assessment of SADC and the AU on the process and reported irregularities, as well as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s official announcement of the results, before announcing its own assessment.”

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