Johannesburg/Harare - US Ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee warned Monday that "ominous signs" of cheating by President Robert Mugabe's government were already present ahead of next month's elections in Zimbabwe. In a letter published in the state-controlled daily Herald, McGee referred to "a growing chorus of voices expressing doubt about the coming poll."
Presidential elections, in which 84-year-old Mugabe plans to extend his 27 years in power by another five years, as well as parliamentary and local government polls are scheduled for March 29.
The last three national elections since 2000 have been dismissed by independent observers as neither free nor fair because of violent intimidation, electoral and security laws that severely disadvantage opposition parties and outright rigging.
This year Mugabe is being challenged for the presidency by former national labour leader Morgan Tsvangirai, head of the larger faction of the Movement for Demcoratic Change which split in 2005, and surprise candidate Simba Makoni, a member of the politburo of Mugabe's ruling ZANU(PF) party until he announced his candidacy three weeks ago.
McGee wrote: "My government shares the concerns expressed in recent weeks by a wide variety of organizations about the pre- election environment, including reports of voter confusion and inadequate preparation, evidence of irregularities associated with registration and inspection of the voters' roll, and concerns that the violence of the past year will inevitably affect the campaign and election."
Church and civic groups have reported large numbers of deceased people on the voters' roll, dozens of people named in multiple registrations in different constituencies, and large numbers of secret registration of voters in areas dominated by the ruling party, while candidates have been denied access to the voters' roll.
Over the last year police and state secret agents have forcibly blocked any attempt by opposition candidates and pro-democracy organizations to hold meetings or demonstrations.
Hundreds of government opponents, including Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the larger faction of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, as well as the leadership of the national labour movement, were arrested and assaulted, with often critical injuries inflicted. Mugabe publicly encouraged police to "bash" opponents who defied him.
"It is understandable that voters in Zimbabwe may find obscure the linkage (between voters educating themselves about their choices) and the act of voting," McGee wrote.
"Past experience may engender skepticism. Despite these ominous signs, we urge all Zimbabweans to vote. While Zimbabwean people do not have the power to ensure that democracy prevails, it will surely not prevail unless they play their part. This was to be expected. I anticipate the same problem with the voting."
The government has meanwhile said it will allow only observers from "friendly countries", and Monday George Charamba, Mugabe's spokesman, said that the European Union "will not, and I repeat not," be invited to send observers to the election, although "one or two countries" might be permitted.
The state press reported Monday on two rallies where ruling party parliamentary aspirants handed out bicycles and cash to people attending. Civic groups have repeatedly accused ZANU(PF) of bribing voters.
Opposition groups said Monday they had been told they were not allowed to hold campaign meetings at night.
Last week nine members of a teachers union were reported arrested and assaulted as they were handing out fliers and charged under security laws.
Police claimed that they had been "throwing fliers with provocative political messages." All nine were hospital after ruling party supporters "retaliated" to the fliers, a spokesman said.
