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<p>Whilst we commend the people of Zimbabwe for demonstrating patience and resilience
in exercising their democratic rights, and especially for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere
on election day and beyond, we share the view of the Election Observation Missions'
preliminary statements that the pre-election environment and election day fell short
of regional and international standards. Issues included limited transparency from
the electoral commission, the lack of level playing field, the passing of repressive
legislation, long delays in the opening of some polling stations and reports of intimidation
of voters. The UK takes note of the announcement by the Chair of the Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission of results on 26 August. However, we are concerned by a lack of transparency
in the tallying of results, as well as the arrests of domestic observers.</p>
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