Zimbabwe must end crisis through legitimate election, says Kofi Annan

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has said legitimacy can only be retained in Zimbabwe through free and fair elections.

"The only legitimate and sustainable way out of the Zimbabwe crisis is through elections with integrity in 2018.  The political crisis in Zimbabwe is not yet resolved. I believe, nevertheless, that this crisis offers a unique opening for democratic renewal based on the freely expressed will of the people of Zimbabwe. They must be a full partner in the resolution of this profound crisis.," he said.

"The enthusiastic crowds who marched in the streets of Zimbabwe's major cities on the weekend were demanding freedom, not just a change of leadership.
General elections in Zimbabwe are already scheduled for 2018. They present an historic opportunity for the voters of Zimbabwe to choose their leaders in a manner that confers full legitimacy on the winning candidate.  That vital goal will only be achieved by safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. This requires that all political parties and candidates are allowed to campaign openly and freely without intimidation, that the media is permitted to provide impartial coverage of the elections and the Zimbabwe voters are empowered and encouraged to vote for whomever they wish without fear or favour."

"We have seen how other African countries have suffered grave disappointments and violent setbacks during periods of political transition. I therefore urge the leadership of Zimbabwe - political and military - to promote and facilitate a transition to genuine democracy."

He said all of the country's leaders must put the interest of the nation first and work together to ensure the future peace, progress and prosperity of Zimbabwe.