CRS-9 free, fair and credible elections."35 The African Union team echoed the SADC and PAP findings, declaring that process fell short of accepted AU standards.36 Coalition Government? Prior to the runoff, Zimbabwe’s state-controlled media sent mixed signals about the regime’s post-election plans. On April 23, the government-owned Herald newspaper printed an editorial that suggested SADC should mediate between the parties to create a transitional coalition government, led by President Mugabe, that would organize new elections.37 The following day the paper announced on its website that a unity government was “not feasible.” According to the ICG’s sources, some senior ZANU-PF members, including Vice President Joyce Mujuru and Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono, tried to convince the president to accept a unity government, but were overruled by senior security officials. Critics allege that the ruling party may now try to exercise influence over the courts to overturn the MDC’s parliamentary majority. Both parties have challenged the results of over 50 parliamentary races, and although the new parliament can be sworn in during the review, the judiciary’s findings could affect the balance of power in the parliament. Central to ZANU-PF concerns, its critics assert, are questions regarding immunity for serious human rights abuses committed since independence. Both parties have issued public statements indicating a willingness to negotiate, but ZANU-PF says Tsvangirai must acknowledge Mugabe's victory as a prerequisite. Tsvangirai has refused to do so. Media reports on July 10 suggest the parties have already begun discussions.38 Some believe ZANU-PF had planned to negotiate even before the runoff, but wanted to enter the talks from a position of power, with Mugabe having won the second round. Both domestic and international observers expressed concerns that rising violence in Zimbabwe was contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation that might inhibit voters from participating in a runoff election. In early May, the lead South African delegate in SADC’s observer mission, Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo, suggested that the political climate was too violent for a runoff, saying “You cannot have the next round taking place in this atmosphere; it will not be helpful.”39 SADC’s Executive Secretary repeated Mamabolo’s findings, “At the moment we can’t say the playing ground is safe or will be fair.”40 SADC and the AU announced plans to significantly increase the number of poll observers for the runoff. 35 Interim Statement Presented by the Hon. Marwick Khumalo of the Pan-African Parliament Observer Mission, issued on June 30, 2008. 36 Preliminary Statement of the African Union Observer Mission, issued on June 29, 2008. 37 “West Should Stop Blocking Zimbabwe’s Way Forward,” The Herald (Harare), April 23, 2008. 38 MDC Secretary General Tendai Biti, who participated in the previous round of talks, has reportedly had his bail conditions eased so he can attend the talks. "Zimbabwe Rival Parties Hold Talks," BBC, July 10, 2008. 39 40 “Zimbabwe ‘Too Violent for Poll,’” BBC, May 8, 2008. “SADC: Zim Not Yet Ready For Fair Vote,” Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg), May 14, 2008.