Lack of Transparency in Run-up to Zimbabwe Polls Worries U.SWASHINGTON DC — The United States government says it is “deeply concerned” by the lack of transparency in preparations for the July 31 general election and is calling on the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to accept nothing short of an internationally-accepted poll from Harare. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell told a daily briefing in Washington on Tuesday that “the lack of transparency in electoral preparations, the continued partisan behaviour by state security institutions and the technical, logistical issues are hampering the administration of a credible and transparent election.” Washington warned that America might tighten sanctions if Harare does not hold a credible election. Ventrell also said a disputed election risked undermining the country’s economy, which was gradually recovering. He added the U.S is concerned that the global political agreement had not been fully implemented ahead of the elections. President Robert Mugabe, at one of his campaign stops, recently blasted the West for trying to effect regime change in Zimbabwe. He vowed to resist any such moves, telling England in particular to keep to its “filthy” self. Director of the Centre for Community Development Phillip Pasirayi, who observed the recent special election for members of the armed services, America’s concerns are not far-fetched.