Crucially, ZANU and ZAPU, the political wings of ZANLA and ZIPRA (who had been waging an escalating insurgency since 1964), would be permitted to stand candidates in the forthcoming elections.

[7][8] The purpose of the conference was to discuss and reach agreement on the terms of an post-independence constitution, to agree on the holding of elections under British authority, and to enable Zimbabwe Rhodesia to proceed to lawful and internationally recognised independence, with the parties settling their differences by political means.

In late September 1979, president Jimmy Carter, in a letter to senator John Stennis, praised the conference for making "some important first steps," but argued that "many difficult negotiations lie ahead.

[citation needed] Other delegates included Robin Renwick,[20] Nicholas Fenn of the Foreign Office,[21] George Walden,[22] and Charles Powell.

[16][24] This delegation also included Ian Smith (minister without portfolio),[34][35] Ndabaningi Sithole,[36] Kayisa Ndiweni,[37] Rowan Cronjé,[38] Harold Hawkins,[39] Kayisa Ndiweni,[40] Simpson Mutambanengwe,[citation needed] and Gordon Chavunduka[41] In the course of its proceedings the conference reached agreement on a post-independence constitution, arrangements for the post-independence period, and a cease-fire agreement signed by all the parties.

[42] In concluding this agreement and signing its report, the parties agreed to accept the authority of the governor, abide by the independence constitution (later called the "Lancaster Constitution"[43]) and ceasefire agreement,[44] comply with the pre-independence arrangements, campaign peacefully and without intimidation, renounce the use of force for political ends, and accept the outcome of the elections and to instruct any forces under their authority to do the same.

[20] According to Robert Matthews, the success of the Lancaster House negotiations can be explained by a "balance of forces on the battlefield that clearly favoured the nationalists" the impact of international sanctions on the Rhodesian economy, "a particular pattern of third party interests" and the resource and skills that Lord Carrington brought to the table as a mediator.

[58] These elections were held in February 1980,[59] and resulted in the Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) led by Robert Mugabe winning a majority of seats.

It also requested that UK allow the speedy return of Zimbabwean exiles and refugees, release of political prisoners, confinement of the Rhodesian and auxiliary forces to their bases, and rescindment of all emergency measures and laws inconsistent with the conduct of free and fair elections.

[77] In 2000 and 2001, the U.S. and British governments, and the European Union, would condemn the new land reform program, although African organizations also criticised the international community for their role in the situation, and Britain's abrogation of their promises made at the time of Zimbabwean independence from colonial rule.