[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise to express my concern regarding 
the recent election in Zimbabwe, which secured sweeping powers for the 
ruling ZANU-PF party. These results come as no surprise. In addition to 
reported irregularities on voting day itself, the ruling party had 
waged a campaign of intimidation, coercion, and institutional 
manipulation well in advance of the balloting in order to ensure 
victory.
  Last month I joined Senator McCain in writing to Secretary Rice, 
urging her to reaffirm the United States commitment to supporting 
genuine democratic processes and institutions in that troubled country. 
The U.S. needs a post-election strategy in Zimbabwe for supporting 
civil society, encouraging respect for civil and political rights, and 
bolstering the forces fighting against corruption.
  We also need to continue to plan for the future. Once Zimbabwe's 
corrupt leadership finally released its grasp on power, the country 
will require substantial international assistance to turn around its 
devastating economic decline and to rebuild institutions, such as the 
once-independent judiciary, so that the rule of law can be effectively 
restored. Too many Zimbabwean youths have been traumatized, pressed 
into service in brutal pro-ruling party militia forces, enduring 
serious abuse and then often becoming abusers themselves. These young 
men and women, too, will need support and assistance to find their way 
back on a path toward the futures they once dreamed of as children.
  I hope that soon the people of Zimbabwe will be given a chance to 
freely express their will in a genuine democratic process that is free 
from manipulation, intimidation, and coercion. As we prepare ourselves 
to be good partners to the people of Zimbabwe when change finally does 
come, we must also take a hard look at the disappointing passivity of 
leaders in many southern African states who have failed to speak and 
act in support of basic human rights and the rule of law in their own 
neighborhood. These decisions raise real doubts about the commitment of 
these regional leaders to democracy, and over the long term, these 
failures threaten the prospects for stability and prosperity throughout 
the region. South Africa, with its painful history, its tremendous 
promise, and its special moral authority, might have been a powerful 
protector of the rights of the people of Zimbabwe. Instead, South 
Africa's leadership has chosen, time and again, to sweep repression and 
abuse in Zimbabwe under the rug and to lend support to a bullying 
President who would rather destroy his own country than accept the rule 
of law and let real power rest with the Zimbabwean people. This South 
African choice is perhaps one of the greatest disappointments of all.
  The people of Zimbabwe have suffered through years of economic and 
political catastrophe. Those of us who have watched this decline feel 
tremendous frustration and real sadness as we observe what has happened 
to their country. But we must not surrender to hopelessness, and we 
must not give up. I continue to be deeply moved by the bravery and 
patriotism of Zimbabwean citizens who resist the state's repression, 
even at enormous personal cost. The United States must remain committed 
to working with them to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe succeed in 
their fight for freedom and genuine democracy.

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