It is regrettable that lives of civilians have been lost in the post-election period. Zimbabwe security forces must avoid any inappropriate use of force. All disputes have to be addressed in a peaceful and legal way. The Ministry commends the well-managed organisation of the Election Day on July 30. In line with the Preliminary Statement of the EU Election Observation Mission in Zimbabwe the Ministry, however, perceives that there was an un-level playing field for the competition of political parties in the pre-election period. The Ministry hopes that the new political leadership of the country will take all necessary steps to assure the international community about further democratic development of the country.