Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

President Mbeki of South Africa led a SADC delegation to assist in drafting a new constitution for Zimbabwe, one of the components of which dealt with elections. It was provided that if there was not an outright winner within 21 days of an election, a run-off would be held. Does the Minister of State agree what happened in Zimbabwe is a complete sham? I welcome the decision of neighbouring countries to stand up to the importation of arms but countries in the national liberation movement such as Angola, Mozambique and Namibia, which have Governments that overthrew white rule, have knuckled down together and are giving tacit support to President Mugabe. Is it time for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to call in the South African ambassador to Ireland to tell him what is happening is not acceptable and South Africa and other countries in the region, with which Ireland has political influence, should move to have the election result announced immediately?

With respect to the observers, while not underestimating the ability of the election observers from the SADC community, does the Minister of State agree it is important that international observers are permitted? The Government should take up the cudgels at the UN General Assembly with a view to achieving greater agreement and stronger controls for the conduct of elections across the globe?

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