NCA Chairperson Lovemore Madhuku was unable to participate at a talkshow about the elections in Zimbabwe, held in Amsterdam on the 22nd of March. Madhuku was arrested on Sunday 20th of March.

On the 23rd of March NiZA received the e-mail below from the NCA.

The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) regrets to inform you that Dr Lovemore Madhuku will not be able to participate at the Conference organized by NiZA in the Netherlands on 22nd March 2005.

This is due to the fact that he is being held by the Zimbabwe Republic Police who, as part of their campaign of harassment are questioning him on the NCA position regarding the March 31 Parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe.

The police picked up Dr Madhuku on Sunday 20th March and have indicated that they will be summoning the NCA Chairperson to clarify certain issues on a report recently published by the NCA to prove how the prevailing political environment is not conducive for free and fair elections.

Dr Madhuku is, however, available through the phone to contribute in issues that may arise at the conference.