disturbing that many retrogressive electoral changes introduced between 2000 and 2002 have been incorporated in the “new” electoral laws. Repressive laws, most notably the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), which were used arbitrarily by the government against the opposition in 2002, continue to be used. In addition the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) introduced after the 2002 election has been selectively used by the government against independent journalists and media organizations perceived to be critical of the government. This has led to the closure of a number of independent newspapers. Through these and other actions, the government of Zimbabwe has demonstrated its lack of respect for the basic freedoms prescribed in the SADC Guidelines including the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. As a result the elections are highly unlikely to reflect the free expression of the electorate. Human Rights Watch calls on SADC member states to urge the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that in the days remaining before the election, efforts are made to guarantee that all candidates are able to campaign freely and openly throughout Zimbabwe, that all candidates have access to the media, that journalists and observers are allowed to observe the election process in all areas of the country, and that voters are allowed to choose a candidate and vote in an environment free of intimidation. Human Rights Watch also calls on the SADC observer team to report thoroughly and objectively on whether the elections comply with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. In December 2004 and February 2005, Human Rights Watch spent over three weeks in Zimbabwe and interviewed 135 Zimbabweans including representatives from the ruling party, the main opposition party and nongovernmental organizations (NGO); lawyers, church representatives, human rights activists and monitors, journalists and ordinary citizens. Human Rights Watch received first-hand reports on electoral conditions in the provinces of Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland. Human Rights Watch visited the provinces of Mashonaland and Manicaland and the cities of Harare and Bulawayo. Recommendations To the SADC Electoral Observer Team: • Call on the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that in the days remaining until the vote on March 31, electoral observers have access to all election sites and are 2