OTTAWA, Canada, August 5, 2013 –Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement regarding the recent elections in Zimbabwe:
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird
“Canada takes note of the announced results. However, Canada has serious concerns about the reported irregularities and lack of transparency in the democratic process, which call into question whether the results can credibly represent the will of the people.
“Canada does congratulate the people of Zimbabwe for participating peacefully in the first elections under their new constitution.
“It is our hope that the irregularities will be investigated and that new transparency mechanisms will be implemented to ensure the credibility of the election process.
“We continue to have profound concerns about the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. Canada will continue to work with the people of Zimbabwe to foster a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for all, one that respects the fundamental human rights of the Zimbabwean people.”
