Statement on Election Results in Zimbabwe

There is overwhelming evidence that the March 9-11 presidential election in Zimbabwe was neither free nor fair. The pre-election period was marked by a sustained, government-orchestrated campaign of intimidation and violence, and the numerous and profound irregularities in the electoral process itself resulted in an outcome that did not reflect the will of the people of Zimbabwe. As a result, Mr. Mugabe may claim victory, but not democratic legitimacy.

For over two years, the Mugabe Administration has systematically subverted democratic principles and processes. His government’s policies and actions have been marked by a blatant disregard for the rule of law, serious human rights abuses, a broad repression of the Zimbabwean electorate, and, ultimately, the disenfranchisement of thousands of Zimbabwean voters. This fundamentally flawed election result will only deepen the crisis in Zimbabwe and the suffering of the Zimbabwean people.

The United States will consult closely with other governments to develop appropriate responses to this major setback to democracy in Zimbabwe. Among the responses we are considering is a possible broadening of sanctions against those responsible for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.