AFJN’s concerns for the Zimbabwean people continue in the wake of the June 27th run-off elections:  Despite the withdraw of oppositional candidate Morgan Tsvangirai in response to violence against his supporters and widespread awareness of the election’s illegitimacy, Robert Mugabe was declared the landside winner with more than 85% of the vote and was sworn in for the his sixth term as president. However, while the suppressive and oppressive tactics used by Mugabe’s party to ensure victory have been clearly documented, meaningful pressure for change has yet to be seen, from non-African and African leaders alike.

In the run up to the June election day , limitations on election oversight,  on the functioning of civil society and relief organizations, and on freedom of speech and assembly, not to mention the systematic, targeted violence and intimidation against members of the MDC and supporters of Tsvangirai, have been the norm in Zimbabwe. Although Tsvangirai withdrew from the election, citing a desire to protect his supporters and an unwillingness to participate in a sham election, the electoral commission said it was too late for the election to be cancelled or postponed. On election day itself, while turnout was low, many who did vote reported being pressured into doing so by Zanu-PF supporters or being required to give their identity and home address alongside their vote.

Many regional and international organizations and governments have expressed their disapproval. However, while the African Union has called for integrating the MDC into the presidency and the United Nations has expressed regret over , neither body has formally denounced the legitimacy of the run-off’s results, nor Mugabe’s brutal tactics.

In light of the state of Zimbabwe’s economy, the campaign of state-sponsored violence, and our belief in its people’s right to a democratically-elected government, AFJN believes it is the duty of the international community to increase pressure on the Zimbabwean government and to support African regional mediation toward a peaceful resolution. While it is important to be clear that Mugabe’s style of leadership undermines any visage of democracy, an agreement must be reached through a process that engages both the Zanu-PF and the MDC, with the hopes of avoiding further violence against the people of Zimbabwe. AFJN also encourages U.S. support for the voice and actions of African civil society in Zimbabwe in particular, to ensure that the African-led mediation toward a transitional agreement reflects the will of the people.

• To read Africa Action's policy recommendations, go here
• A Q&A on the situation on BBC
• To support relief work in Zimbabwe, go to Africa Action
• An article on Zimbabwean churches amidst the struggle in The Tablet