I a, worried UN is fast loosing its respect by not strictly following it charter and mandate. If UN is to deal Zimbabwe's type problem and play a roll in internatl politics of member states, it should first amend its charter. I say so because Mugabe is not the first nor the last leader having an election overshadowed by violence. UN should not be a place where mighty is right. If we are so concerned about the democracy and equal voice, why not start from the UN member states first? How many member countries have a voants around the globe intimidating the electorate and rigging election without even going a runoff? Countries such as Gabon, Lybia, Morocco, Rwanda, Gongo Republic, Saudi-Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Quatar, Sudan, Eritrea, Cuba do not have election at all. Countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Gongo, Nigeria, Colombia, Mexico, are rigginig the popular votes but UN never said a word. In Ethiopia specially US armed Militia murdered hundred civilians in broad day light but no condomination even heard from UN. UN is now busy ordering the election date change in Zimbabwe? What a useless organization!

If a nation subscribes to democratic principles it must respect them and follow them. SADC election guidelines are quite clear with respect to access to press, violence, access to electorate to campaign, etc. The former ruling party is in breach as they used militia to intelligence org. to intimidate the electorate through abductions, chilling murders, severe beating and torture; burning houses etc. This leaves the electorate vulnerable, hence the need for SADC, AU and UN to come in and help restore order so that elections reflecting the will of the people can be held. The UN is therefore correct to condemn - they are actually too diplomatic - they should have told one of their "former own" to stand down, allow peacekeepers and international police in, and let elections take place in a month or so. Existing police are in breach of their duties as they allow themselves to be told what to do by one of the contestants, just because he is so intimidating. Again, this is breach of seperation of powers in a democracy.