Is Zimbabwe living up to SADCs electoral code?
Johannesburg, 18 June 2008 (IRIN) – The degree of freedom and fairness in Zimbabwe’s presidential election on 27 Junewillbe judged according to a 10-point guideline enshrined in the Principles for Conducting Democratic Elections of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). IRIN, using the SADC checklist of democratic principles, has asked analysts to ascertain how Zimbabwe is measuring up to its obligations as a member of the 14-member regional organisation. The treaty establishing SADC, signed in 1992 in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, states: “The Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation provides that SADC shall ‘Promote the development of democratic institutions and practices within the territoriesof State Parties and encourage the observance of universal human rights as provided for in the Charter and Conventions of the Organization of African Unity (African Union) and the United Nations.'” According to the treaty, “SADC member states shall adhere to the follow
