SADC Mediation Beginning with its Livingstone resolutions of March 31, 2011, the SADC has called on Zimbabwe to fully implement agreed reforms in the GPA to end violence and follow a benchmarked roadmap to free and fair elections that includes the finalization of the constitution.72 The SADC’s position on Zimbabwean elections is informed by its principles governing the conduct of democratic elections, which include full participation of the citizens in political processes; freedom of association; political tolerance; equal opportunity for all political parties to access the state media; equal opportunity to exercise the right to vote and be voted for; independence of the judiciary; and impartiality of the electoral institutions.73 Subsequent resolutions, including the August 18, 2012 SADC Summit Communique, have urged the unity government partners “to develop a roadmap together with timelines that are guided by requirements of the processes necessary for the adoption of the constitution and the creation of conditions for free and fair elections to be held.”74 Furthermore, as the guarantors of the GPA, SADC leaders committed to assist the parties in every way possible to reach a position where a credible election enables Zimbabwe to set out on the road to stability and progress. In August 2012 leaders of the southern Africa regional bloc noted the continued nonimplementation of agreed resolutions on Zimbabwe. The SADC again urged GPA partners to immediately strengthen JOMIC, in terms of the Livingstone resolution to appoint a team of officials to monitor the GPA, so that the SADC team can assist, on a regular basis, in the advancement and consolidation of the work of that committee and help create an atmosphere conducive to the establishment of a level political field, leading to a free and fair election.75 72 “Summit of the Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,” SADC communiqué, March 31, 2011. 73 “SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections,” Mauritius, August 2004, http://www.sadc.int/english/key-documents/principles-and-guidelines-governing-democratic-elections/ (accessed September 14, 2012). 74 “Final Communiqué of the 32nd Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government,” Maputo, Mozambique, August 18, 2012. 75 Ibid. RACE AGAINST TIME 26