Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Zimbabwe about the use of violence and intimidation in recent electoral contests in Zimbabwe.

The Government condemns the use of violence and intimidation in electoral contests. We regularly urge the government of Zimbabwe to end human rights abuses and restore internationally accepted standards. British Embassy officials visited Norton, the location of the most recent by-election, on two occasions, including as part of a 'Diplomatic Watch' observation mission with Australian, US and EU colleagues. They spoke to both candidates, urging calm. The "Diplomatic Watch" along with local observation groups will write to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, outlining their findings.