Harare - Zimbabwe, facing its worst hard-currency shortage in 20 years, is charging foreign observers and journalists $100 each to monitor and cover parliamentary elections this month. Hundreds of international observers and journalists are expected in Zimbabwe for the June 24th-25th poll. Foreign observer missions have also hired thousands of local monitors, but they will not have to pay the fee.
Representatives of the EU, the Southern African Development Community, the Commonwealth, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Organisation of African Unity have sent observers to monitor the campaign and election.