Sadc may give polls a semblance of order

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According to the barometer, Sadc would continue to take middle ground in Zimbabwe, by not directly confronting parties that were in contravention of the GPA, while at the same time ensuring there was some level of political stability.

According to the barometer, Sadc would continue to take middle ground in Zimbabwe, by not directly confronting parties that were in contravention of the GPA, while at the same time ensuring there was some level of political stability.

“Should anything that glaringly threatens political stability emerge, the bloc will act, but should the impetus then push for full democratic reforms present itself, this may not be taken,” reads the barometer.

“That way an election without the full nomenclature of being free and fair will be undertaken but acceptable enough to allow the country and the region to move on. In this case elections may still be conclusive but would not lay the groundwork for full democratic transition in Zimbabwe.”

The barometer was of the view that there would likely be continued attacks on civil society organisations and political activists as the country proceeds towards the elections.

It said the much-politicised state security apparatus posed a threat to the rule of law either through selective prosecution of perceived opponents of Zanu PF or scuttling of pro-democracy movement political activists.

“Given high costs associated with the use of overt violence in the forthcoming election, the strategy of rule by law and persecution of CSOs and human rights defenders will be adopted more as a strategy to cow them into subjugation and silence,” reads the barometer.