Elections will reduce turmoil in Zimbabwe: Zuma

Zuma says the situation in Zimbabwe is more worrying now

ANC President Jacob Zuma says the elections in Zimbabwe will go a long way in helping to resolve the turmoil in that country. He says the fact that a candidate from within the ruling party is contesting the polls, means change is on the way.

Zimbabweans go to the polls this week, to elect a new leader. Today, Zuma paid a courtesy visit to the home of the late ANC leader Moses Mabhida, in Pietermaritzburg.

He says he cannot comment on allegations by the opposition, that conditions are not conducive for a free and fair poll in Zimbabwe. However, he says the fact that a former high-ranking Zanu- PF official, Simba Makoni, is taking on President Robert Mugabe, makes things more interesting.

Zuma says the outcome of the election will be important. "It's the first time that someone from the Zanu-PF leadership -- even if he is standing independently -- is challenging President Mugabe."

The ANC has sent a team of election observers to Zimbabwe to monitor the voting process in that country.