July 31 polls ‘free and fair’: US

Midlands Correspondent
THE July 31 elections were a “free and fair” and put Zimbabwe on the right course, the United States Ambassador Mr Bruce Wharton said yesterday in a major climbdown. The United States and its erstwhile ally, Britain, have been united in singing a chorus of discrediting the elections won overwhelmingly by Zanu-PF, despite African Union and Sadc observers describing the vote as credible, peaceful, free and fair.

Speaking to journalists soon after touring Naletale Ruins near Gweru, Ambassador Wharton said the harmonised elections were peaceful, free and fair.

“Yes, a lot was said about the elections. The EU (European Union) described them as generally credible but the bottom line is that the July 31 harmonised election were free and fair though there were some disappointments,” the envoy said.

He said there were major improvements in the manner in which the election process was conducted, compared to the 2008 presidential run-off, adding: “It’s a positive development in the right direction for the people of Zimbabwe.”

Ambassador Wharton said the US was keen to engage Zimbabwe adding that the two nations needed each other.
“Washington does not seek to disengage with Zimbabwe. The two countries need each other. The fact that we’re are here touring (Naletale) ruins pursuing our efforts to work with the Museums and National Monuments shows the will to work with Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said tourism was one of the most important pillars of the Zimbabwean economy and his government was willing to play its part, as witnessed by the donation of $64 000 for restoration work at Naletale Ruins.

“We are still looking for ways to engage each other and tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and the US is keen to work with Zimbabwe in reviving its tourism sector,” Ambassador Wharton said.

“This is why we have been very supportive of the idea by the National Museums and Monuments to restore some parts of Naletale ruins which collapsed. We are working with archaeologists at the Midlands State University to make sure that we assist in getting Naletale Ruins to its original state.”

Parts of the ruins’ walls have collapsed and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe hope the donation will help restore them to their original state.