South African President Thabo Mbeki expressed his belief that Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will resign peacefully, emphasizing the importance of ensuring free and fair elections in Zimbabwe next year. Mbeki, appointed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to lead mediation efforts in Zimbabwe, stated in an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday that he is optimistic Mugabe will eventually step down. In an interview, it was mentioned that President Mugabe and the leadership of ZANU-PF believe they are governing a democratic country. The opposition is also elected and has the ability to run municipal government in Harare and Bulawayo. Mbeki was appointed by SADC to mediate between Mugabe and the opposition MDC after a violent crackdown on political opponents. Despite suggestions that Zimbabwe's neighbors could enforce change in the country, the South African leader stated that they do not have the means to do so and suggested a joint approach by African leaders could lead to a settlement. Mbeki stated that his office has already been in communication with both of the MDC's main factions and ZANU-PF in order to establish a negotiating framework for the upcoming elections next year, where Mugabe has already been chosen as the ZANU-PF candidate. Mbeki mentioned that the future discussions will likely revolve around the MDC's requests for legal and electoral reforms, particularly regarding the strict media and security laws that critics believe Mugabe has utilized to strengthen his control in the country. Mbeki explained in an online transcript of his interview that based on previous interactions with the MDC, they are expected to raise concerns about legislation concerning the media and public gatherings. He added that there may be a need for ZANU-PF to address these issues and eventually come together to agree on measures to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections. The principal leader of the MDC, Morgan Tsvangirai, expressed willingness to participate in any election that is guaranteed to be free and fair. He emphasized that quick action from Mbeki is needed to create the necessary conditions for this to happen. The SADC, which has been criticized in the West for ignoring Mugabe's crackdown, hopes that Mbeki's appointment will facilitate direct talks between Mugabe and the MDC, despite previous failed attempts to broker a political agreement. The West accuses Mugabe, who has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, of authoritarianism and economic mismanagement. Mugabe, on the other hand, claims he is being punished for redistributing white-owned farms to landless blacks.