FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE

Early day motion 59, tabled 23 November 2004 by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative). Signed by 95 members.

That this House expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe; further notes with concern that the policy of quiet diplomacy has failed and that human rights abuses now abound in that country; notes the recent introduction of the NGO Bill which seeks to ban civic organisations operating in the areas of governance and human rights; highlights the illegal detention of MDC MP Roy Bennett; draws attention to the need for international pressure to be brought to bear to ensure accurate voter registrations; and calls upon the African Union, the SADC countries and the United Nations to bring pressure to bear upon Robert Mugabe to allow free and fair elections in March 2005.

Signatures by party: Conservative 61, Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 4, Scottish National Party 4, UUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Independent Conservative 1.