Resolution on the Presidential Elections in Zimbabwe
As adopted by the Congress of Liberal International, Budapest, Hungary 21-23 March 2002
This, the 51st Congress of Liberal International in Budapest, Hungary March 2002:
Condemns the regime of Robert Mugabe for failing to allow free and fair elections for the Presidency, and for the resulting fraudulent election of Robert Mugabe in a campaign noted for intimidation and violence;
Condemns the recent violence in Zimbabwe, including the illegal seizure of land and the killing of opposition activists;
Condemns the introduction of laws removing a free and independent press, and restricting the possibility of free and fair elections in the country;
Deplores the statement by the Zimbabwe’s military commanders that the Armed Forces would only support a leader who fought minority white rule in the 1970s.
Congratulates the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) for their commitment to a free and fair election, and to a peaceful and constructive campaign which respected the right of all voters to exercise their vote freely, despite constant intimidation of their party activists and supporters.
Urges the European Union to conclude the negotiations with Zimbabwe on the basis of article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement as soon as possible and to take the effective measures necessary to restore the respect for human rights and full parliamentary democracy in Zimbabwe. And welcomes the descision of the Common Wealth to suspend Zimbabwe for 12 months.
