US sanctions senators speak on poll reforms

Visiting United States senators yesterday expressed concern that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration had not made any serious election reforms five months after coming into power.

Democratic Senator Christopher Coons told journalists in Harare that a conducive environment for free and fair elections was yet to be created.

"There are democratic elections in many countries around the world," he said.

"Senator (Jeff) Flake (Republican) referenced how the African Union (AU), Sadc, have set out expectations of what sorts of things happen in terms of voter registration, in terms of non-inference by the military, in terms of having a series of steps that are published, transparent and predictable.

"About how a national election commission is going to proceed with identifying polling places and setting up procedures for tabulation.

"A number of these have not happened."

Coons aid the US did not want to dictate steps and a timeline to be taken by Zimbabwe, but wanted Mnangagwa to follow through on promises and commitments he made regarding free, fair and credible elections.

"We are hopeful that they will be taken promptly. But, if a month or two or three goes by and there are no more steps taken along the menu of what is accepted, of what is required before or after an election for it to be credible, then we will be disappointed that this wonderful moment of opportunity maybe missed," he said.

The visiting US delegation consisted of Coons, Flake, Democratic senators Cory Booker, Michael Bennet and Gary Peters.

Coons and Flake introduced an amendment in the US senate that would allow for the lifting of sanctions if Zimbabwe holds credible elections.

Flake, Booker and Coons chair the US senate sub-committee on African Affairs.