A: The question was never that the observers should ensure that the election is free and fair because you must understand that Mugabe is picking and choosing those international observers and that he has remained defiant to an open and transparent process, which could be put under international radar and inspection. But all the same, we as the MDC want the observers to be here because it is very clear that Mugabe, at the end of the day, wants and needs to have legitimacy. We need international observers to assure Zimbabweans that the international community is watching, that Mugabe cannot stage an election whose outcome is pre-determined and get away with it.

Q: What sort of measures should the EU, SADC, US and others take immediately to force the government to conduct a truly democratic presidential election?
A: Of course the international community, particularly SADC, could exert some pressure on Mugabe. SADC must take the lead and highlight publicly that, with all the irregularities that are taking place, this election cannot be considered free and fair. They must make clear that they will not be party to a scam, that they will not endorse an election that is considered by Zimbabweans to be illegitimate.

Q: But clearly you have not been able to win the support of SADC, which is critical to the success of any action that the international community may want to take against the government?