February 24, 2002
Media Alert
Attention: Chief of Staff
International editor
MDC delegation arrives for CHOGM
Mrs Sekai Holland, MDC Secretary for International Affairs, and Mr Tendai Biti MP, MDC Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, arrive in Australia today to provide up to date information to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Coolum, March 2-5.
The Zimbabwe presidential election takes place on March 9-10. The candidate for the Movement for Democratic Change is Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, a former trade union leader.
"We want to correct any confusion caused by the SBS Dateline TV program which broadcast the ludicrous allegation that Mr Tsvangirai has plotted to kill President Mugabe," said Mrs Holland on the eve of her departure.
"We want the delegates to CHOGM to fully appreciate the scale of violence and vote-rigging now underway in Zimbabwe, and the inadequacy of the international election monitoring force," said Mrs Holland. "Our first priority is that the people have a chance to vote, and despite the massive obstacles in their path, to elect Mr Tsvangirai and restore democracy and economic activity. Whatever happens, the movement for democracy in Zimbabwe will need the support of the Commonwealth, and the whole international community."
Mrs Holland and Mr Biti are in Melbourne on February 25, Canberra February 26, Sydney February 26-28, Brisbane February 28 - March 1, Coolum March 1-5.
For further information: Peter Murphy 0418 312 301
