QUOTES

‘After jailing dozens of prominent opponents and activists, Tunisian authorities have removed almost all serious contenders from the presidential race, reducing this vote to a mere formality. The government should immediately end its political interference in the electoral process, reverse repressive measures, and allow opposition candidates to take part in the ballot.’

– Bassam Khawaja, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Tunisian authorities have prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned at least eight prospective candidates for the 6 October presidential election.

 ‘Being a judge is not a position from which you seek to be popular; to be praised in the media for their judgments. Their judgments are made in the shadow of the Constitution and made without fear, favour or prejudice. When people appear before us, no matter how unpopular they are out there, they must be treated with respect and courtesy and get a fair hearing.’

– South Africa’s outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo

‘I am very happy that the security sector lived up to its billing. We are talking of people who are driven to disorder, people who never want to see their country cast in a good light.’

– Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who says the incarcerated pro-democracy activists should be set free as there is ‘nothing to disturb anymore’. Several opposition supporters and activists are in prison following a clampdown that preceded the recent SADC summit in Harare. 

‘Why are we not on that continent? We can't be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa. I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things.’

–  Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on Thursday gave his ‘100%’ backing to a Grand Prix in Africa, with Formula One bosses poised for talks over staging a race in Rwanda.