Annan issues a strong call for 'free and fair' elections in Zimbabwe

Calling next month's elections in Zimbabwe a critical test of democracy not only in that nation, but in all of Africa, United Nations Secretary Kofi Annan has urged "in the strongest possible terms" that the polls be allowed to go forward in a peaceful, legitimate, and credible manner.

The Secretary-General said in a statement that the people of Zimbabwe must be permitted to cast their votes free from violence, intimidation, and hindrance of any kind in the presence of as wide a range of international observers as possible.

"I therefore appeal to the President of Zimbabwe and his Government, as well as to the opposition, to put the interests of the country ahead of any individual interests, and to work together to ensure that the elections are conducted in free and fair manner, and that the rights of all citizens to participate are assured and protected," the Secretary-General said in a statement released on Thursday evening.

"For the sake of the people of Zimbabwe, of its neighbours and the entire continent of Africa, I appeal to the Government to let the people make their choice, and to live by it," Mr. Annan said.