High-Powered AU Delegation Arrives in Zimbabwe for Polls

WASHINGTON DC —  A high powered African Union (AU) delegation has started arriving in Harare for observing Zimbabwe’s general election to be held July 31.

The first to arrive Tuesday afternoon was AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Aisha Abudullahi, who will be followed Wednesday by AU Commissioner Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Addressing journalists at Harare International Airport, Abudullahi said the AU is supposed to monitor or observe elections in member states.

Abudullahi said the AU is happy about Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa’s deliberations on the role of the military in Zimbabwe’s political processes, including elections.

Abdullahi said the AU expects Zimbabwe to hold a free and fair election this year.
The AU is guided by the African Charter and principles of democracy in monitoring and observing general elections in African countries.