• • including during the election period, and to take appropriate action against the security forces leadership that fails to do so; Send a public message that partisanship by Zimbabwe’s security forces during the elections could result in a refusal to endorse the election outcome, or other consequences; and Deploy long-term observer missions in Zimbabwe in sufficient numbers well in advance of the elections to monitor the situation and make recommendations for credible, free and fair elections. To the Government of South Africa • • • Press the unity government of Zimbabwe to urgently take necessary measures to ensure that the security forces act in a politically neutral manner at all times, including during the election period, and to take appropriate action against the security forces leadership that fails to do so; Call on SADC and the African Union to send a public message that partisanship by Zimbabwe’s security forces during the elections could result in a refusal to endorse the election outcome or other consequences; and Support the deployment of long-term observer missions in Zimbabwe in sufficient numbers well in advance of the elections to monitor the situation and make recommendations for credible, free and fair elections. To the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations • • • Support SADC initiatives to press Zimbabwe’s political leaders to urgently reform the security forces and implement other electoral reforms ahead of elections; Immediately seek accreditation for long-term observation of Zimbabwe elections to promote credible, free and fair elections; For those approached by Zimbabwe for financial support for elections, insist on observing those elections to ensure they fully comply with international standards. THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM 6