IFP PRESS STATEMENT BY: 
REV MUSA ZONDI
IFP SECRETARY GENERAL

29th June 2008

As the world waits for Robert Mugabe to be sworn in as President of Zimbabwe for a sixth term, the IFP would like to denounce the country's one-man election and the outcome thereof as illegitimate and undemocratic, said the IFP's Secretary General, Rev Musa Zondi, today. 

Rev Zondi commented: "It is clear that the result of the election in Zimbabwe expected today will reflect the fear of the people of Zimbabwe and not the will of the people."

"The IFP believes that the South African government is letting the people of Zimbabwe down by not speaking-out loud enough against the rogue regime and the suffering that we are witnessing in Zimbabwe. 

"We are further alarmed that the electoral campaign of President Robert Mugabe was marred by high levels of intimidation, violence, displacement of people, abductions, and loss of life."

"The world is running out of options now and it is therefore extremely important that the African Union summit in Egypt on Monday intensify pressure on Mugabe and his regime. There needs to be a really strong condemnation from the international community about what is currently happening in Zimbabwe." 

In conclusion Rev Zondi said: "Sanctions will not force a change in Zimbabwe, but will instead add to the suffering and misery of ordinary Zimbabweans, who are denied the right to chose the leaders of their choice. It is therefore important that all role players in Zimbabwe be encouraged and assisted to work towards a speedy resolution to the internal problems that they are facing.

Quite clearly the leaders of Zimbabwe need to embark on negotiations that will ensure that democracy returns, as soon as possible, so that they may begin to attend to the economic problems that engulf that country." 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rev Musa Zondi - 083 440 5966