Poll 'free and fair'
By Norm Dixon
JOHANNESBURG — International observers have pronounced the elections free and fair.
While acknowledging widespread complaints about the Independent Electoral Commission's "incompetence", disorganisation and logistical problems, as well as some accusations of irregularities, observers from the European Union, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity said they were satisfied the election was substantially free and fair. Delegations from the governments of Britain, Portugal and Canada announced similar conclusions.
Two hundred observer from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions declared the election free and fair and added that it augured well for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic South Africa. The Association of West European Parliamentarians and a US government delegation headed by the Reverend Jesse Jackson agreed.