[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H7671-H7672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             GENERAL LEAVE

  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks on S. 2779.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Senators Flake 
and Coons for their leadership and sustained engagement on this issue. 
I also want to thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Bass for their 
focus on Zimbabwe at the Africa subcommittee.
  On July 30th, the people of Zimbabwe will have the opportunity to 
vote for their next president. As the first election since Robert 
Mugabe, this is a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe. For 37 years, 
Zimbabweans have suffered greatly under authoritarian rule and economic 
devastation. The government drove the economy into the ground and 
violently suppressed any opposition to their power.
  With elections now just days away, the situation in Zimbabwe should 
be viewed with cautious optimism. I am encouraged by some of the 
statements and actions taken by the government. President Mnangagwa, 
along with key opposition candidates, signed a public pledge to ensure 
peaceful elections. The opposition is allowed to campaign across the 
country, the voter roll has been released for inspection, and U.S. and 
international observers will be permitted to observe the elections.
  However, reports of voter intimidation, efforts to politicize food 
aid, and increased military presence in rural polling stations are 
deeply concerning. The people of Zimbabwe, as well as the international 
community, remember the horrific violence that occurred during the 2008 
elections. That cannot happen again.
  That's why this legislation is so critical. This bill makes important 
changes to update the 2001 Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery 
Act. It lays out our expectations for a free and fair election, as well 
as actions needed to achieve key economic reforms. The expectations of 
the 2001 legislation hold true today--Zimbabwe must make credible 
progress towards holding free and fair elections, restore the rule of 
law, and ensure military subordination to the civilian government, 
among other desperately needed reforms. These are realistic and 
universally recognized standards.
  Both the government and the opposition must follow through on their 
statements to hold a free, fair, and credible election on July 30th. 
This is an opportunity to chart a dramatic new course for Zimbabwe. We 
urge the next President to take bold and immediate action to address 
key governance

[[Page H7672]]

and economic issues. We stand by the people of Zimbabwe in their 
efforts to see a more democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Zimbabwe.

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