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Washington, D.C., June 19, 2000 -- VOA's Zimbabwe Forum, a special half-hour program covering this month's parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe, airs its first broadcast on Monday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. Zimbabwe time (1:30 p.m. Washington time).  The special program will provide news, features, and in-depth reports leading up to and following the country's elections on June 24 and 25.

Voice of America's Ted Roberts and producer Rod Thomas of the English to Africa Service are now in Harare, Zimbabwe.  Each day, Zimbabwe Forum will carry their hard-hitting analysis and reports of election issues, candidates' views, and public opinion.   VOA Johannesburg Bureau Chief Challiss McDonough and several Zimbabwean stringers will also cover the elections from around the country.

"The parliamentary elections are an important step in Zimbabwe's democratic process," said VOA Director Sanford Ungar.  "Zimbabwe Forum will give our African listeners a broad and bal-anced look at the candidates and where they stand on issues that will affect Zimbabweans' daily lives."

VOA's English to Africa Service broadcasts daily programs to the African continent along with interviews of leading African newsmakers; coverage of U.S. Congressional hearings, debates, and initiatives affecting Africa; and monitoring of local and national events of importance to the continent.  Its Washington, D.C., staff is supplemented by a network of freelance reporters across Africa.

The Voice of America broadcasts world, regional, and U.S. news in 53 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 91 million people.

For additional information, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (202) 619-2538.