Who was responsible?
Alleged perpetrators and their crimes
during the 2000 Parliamentary Election period
July 2001

Recommendations
The culture of impunity in Zimbabwe has seriously damaged the rule of law. The legal process has been undermined by the selective application of the law by law enforcement institutions. These institutions function effectively only for the ruling party, rather than operating impartially for all citizens. It is imperative that the 6 October Amnesty be revoked and an independent commission be appointed to investigate all allegations of torture and other human rights violations and make its own recommendations. The findings of the commission should be used to prosecute those accused of any political crimes stemming from the June 2000 parliamentary elections to restore faith in the rule of law.

In addition, it is clear that the haphazard application of the law last year is already having a negative effect on the prospect of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. Parliamentary by-elections, mayoral elections and local elections have been consistently marred by violence. It is imperative that the government scrap a proposal to limit voter education only to the government-run Electoral Supervisory Commission. It is also crucial that they invite all willing election monitors, whether domestic or international, to observe the election process both on the voting days and in the crucial run-up period which has traditionally seen the vast majority of violence and intimidation.   TOP