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Deal with crisis through 2018 elections - Kofi Annan tells Zimbabwe

Kofi Annan believes the general elections in Zimbabwe which are already scheduled for 2018 will give voters the chance to choose their leaders in a manner that confers full legitimacy on the winning candidate.

“I believe, nevertheless, that this crisis offers a unique opening for democratic renewal based on the freely expressed will of the people of Zimbabwe. They must be a full partner in the resolution of this profound crisis. The enthusiastic crowds who marched in the streets of Zimbabwe’s major cities on the weekend were demanding freedom, not just a change of leadership”, Mr Annan said in a statement.

According to him, the general elections in Zimbabwe which are already scheduled for 2018 will give voters the chance to choose their leaders in a manner that confers full legitimacy on the winning candidate.

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“That vital goal will only be achieved by safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. This requires that all political parties and candidates are allowed to campaign openly and freely without intimidation, that the media is permitted to provide impartial coverage of the elections and the Zimbabwe voters are empowered and encouraged to vote for whomever they wish without fear or favour.”

“We have seen how other African countries have suffered grave disappointments and violent setbacks during periods of political transition. I therefore urge the leadership of Zimbabwe – political and military - to promote and facilitate a transition to genuine democracy.

Mr Annan further asked the leaders of Zimbabwe to put the interest of the nation first and ensure the peace and prosperity of the country.

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