Zimbabwe election will test SADC mediation efforts

Zimbabweans will take to the polls again on Saturday

Zimbabwe’s general election is a crucial test for the success of SADC’s mediation efforts under South Africa's watchful eye. That is according to political analyst, Siphamandla Zondi.

Last year, the region's leaders mandated President Thabo Mbeki to lead talks between the opposing Zimbabwean parties. It was hoped that this could lead to the holding of free and fair elections.

However, a few weeks before the election, the opposition MDC suggested that the mediation efforts had failed because they say the polling date had left no room for the implementation of a new draft constitution as agreed upon by all the parties.

Both Pretoria and Harare scoffed at the suggestions. Zondi says mediation efforts must continue after the vote.