Written question asked by Lord Oates (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 October 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 October 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Zimbabwe: Elections

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had at ministerial level with Southern African Development Community (SADC) counterparts regarding the recall of a number of opposition members of the Zimbabwe parliament and senators, following the August Harmonised Elections, which were judged by the SADC Election Observer Mission to have fallen "short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021)".

Answer: We are in regular ministerial level discussions with our Southern African Development Community (SADC) counterparts on a range of issues, in Harare and across the region. We have not discussed the issue the Noble Lord raises with SADC counterparts.

Secondary information