Harare, January 16, 2010 – The facilitator in the inter-party dialogue between Zanu PF and the two formations of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), South African President Jacob Zuma is reportedly now pushing for the holding of fresh elections as the only way out of continuous disagreements by parties in Zimbabwe’s inclusive government.
Well placed sources confirmed to Radio VOP at the weekend that Zuma’s plan was already at an advanced stage. He will kickstart it by proposing to the coalition partners to “park” some of the outstanding issues, and concentrate on those that would affect the holding of elections.
On Friday, Zuma told a South African radio station that he hoped the Zimbabwean would “open up and look at the issues from all angles”.
“(Are these issues) so fundamental that we cannot move without resolving them? Can we park them and proceed?” said Zuma in an interview with SAFM in Johannesburg.
Sources in South Africa and Zimbabwe confirmed that Zuma is now “so convinced that the only way out is an election, which should be held in 2011” as agreed when the inclusive government was formed. Among other things, Zuma will propose that the parties should implement only those issues that will not affect the holding of elections. Other issues like the appointment of Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana will be suspended until after the elections.
“There has been no formal communication of this position, but when Zuma’s team comes anytime after the talks resume on January 17, they will present this proposal alongside other ideas to the negotiating teams,” said the source.
Zuma took over the facilitation in the Zimbabwean crisis late last year following the partial disengagement from the inclusive government by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T formation. After a SADC summit in Maputo at the beginning of November, the parties were ordered back to the negotiating table, and the talks were supposed to be completed by December 5. Continuous bickering and subsequent postponements however saw the negotiations spilling into the New Year. This, according to our source, did not go down well with Zuma and other SADC leaders, who now believe elections are the only way out.
“What President Zuma will simply do is propose that all those issues that won’t affect the holding of elections should be set aside, so that the inclusive government concentrates on implementing the necessary reforms to create a conducive environment for elections,” added the source.
Addressing a press conference in Harare on Friday, MDC-T spokesperson Nelson Chamisa, said they would not budge on their demand for a resolution of the outstanding issues.
“I am the least qualified to comment on what President Zuma says, but we would want all issues resolved, as they are fundamental in our view,” said Chamisa.
“It is our view that these negotiations will bring all these issues to finality so that we are able to move…The talks are simply about punctuating our signatures with action, our colleagues (Zanu PF) are trying to run away from their signatures.”
The global political agreement (GPA) states that new elections have to be held once constitutional reforms are complete. But the process to write a new constitution has been dragging since July last year. A number of crucial deadlines related to the process have already been missed.
The new constitution also has to be in place before elections are held.
Radio VOP
Don’t hold your breath for Jacob Zuma’s plan. For as long as Mugabe has the capacity to foment violence, there will not be a free and fair election.
Elections have always been not only the way forward but the right thing to do. But we will need a new voters regustration and independent monitors. SADC can not be trusted so maybe UN. As for parking the unresolved issues, what does that mean?? That they can’t be resolved?or Is zuma suggesting that now since noone won the 50% to be declared the winner, then none of them can get his way?? even though that will work on ZANU’s favour. because they are the ones refusing to undo what they did.
If the GNU is not working asZUMA has norted then why allow it to go on?? Why not call for the elections NOW???
New elections will get rid of the opposition to the zanu-pf, for they are certain to steal any election that is held. They learned their lesson in the last election, and the next one will be truely and unambiguously stolen so that it is not close or contestable in any way. So lets have it so that Zim can get on with the serious business of economic and social decay.
It will be interesting to see how elections will go down and what stradegy Zuma would propose for any such elections to take place, given the history of violent elections in Zimbabwe. Just the thought of elections sends shivers down my spine knowing it would be death for sure for any individuals possessing the qualities of being outspoken or with a desire to see change. Furthermore, what participation would the world at large contribute to ensure free and fair elections? Would they stand by like they’ve done so many times before and simply shake their silly heads as the death toll increases? It is very surprising that in this day and age evil men like those in command in Zimbabwe, or any country for that matter, be allowed to practice chaotic behaviour without retribution. “Evil Persists When Good Men Do Nothing”!!
Stealing an election is an understatement. There will be mass human blood harvesting in Zimbabwe in the event that electiona are called. For those who like to argue for the purposes of arguing I will nominate the Gukurahundi in the 80s and the 2008 Bloodshed (Long sleeve or short sleeve). It is torture to survive an election in Zimbabwe. I think SADC should investigate, I am sure we have some human beings who eat other human beings. These human eaters replenish their refrigirators after a presidential term.