A so-called implementation matrix was agreed by the political parties and is meant to see a total of 24 issues being implemented, at different time frames.
While the two MDC parties hope the implementation of these issues will provide a clear road map for credible elections, analysts have questioned the inclusion of issues which neither of the parties can deliver. For example the parties have agreed to call upon foreign governments hosting, funding and relaying pirate radio stations to stop interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Apart from the obvious fact that broadcasts on shortwave and via the internet are completely legal neither of the MDC parties own or operate any of the independent radio stations. How the three parties in the coalition government will call upon foreign governments to stop hosting such stations also remains a mystery as they have not broken any laws and are within all international legal rights to operate.
In 2000 Capital Radio, which eventually became SW Radio Africa in exile, challenged governments broadcasting monopoly and won its case. Within 6 days of broadcasting from a local hotel the station was shut down by Mugabe using his excessive presidential powers. Commentators say instead of the coalition partners wanting to shut down independent stations in foreign countries they should focus on removing repressive broadcasting legislation and allow independent media players to broadcast in Zimbabwe.
The same muddled logic is extended to another of the agreed issues, the immediate implementation of the sanctions removal strategy. ZANU PF is putting pressure on the MDC to get western targeted sanctions removed before they agree to implement any of the other agreed issues. MDC-T Foreign Affairs spokesman, Professor Eliphas Mukonoweshuro, told us earlier this year we dont formulate foreign policy on any countrys behalf. So has anything changed?
Governments who imposed targeted sanctions made it clear that respect for human rights is a pre-condition for lifting the measures, but Mugabes regime continues using violence and intimidation in its campaigns. Over the weekend MDC-T spokesman Nelson Chamisa told a party rally in Chitungwiza; We were not there when they were doing things that made them get those sanctions. We are trying to help them cleanse themselves.
The implementation matrix goes on to talk about the regularization of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe board, the appointment of a new Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation board and constituting the Media Trust, within one month. Commentators said all this is just more bureaucracy and delaying tactics and they had expected a timetable about the time frame for issuing licences to independent broadcasters. It is however patently clear Mugabe has no intention of licensing independent radio stations before the next elections.
Other issues agreed to include issues around – a land audit, cabinet rules, electoral vacancies, national heroes, hate speech in the media, review of ministerial allocations and mandates and amendments to the electoral act, among other things. But none of the issues had a clear cut method of implementation and many of them did not seem to move the country forward at all.
For example it was agreed to review the position of George Charamba, who doubles up as Permanent Secretary in the Information Ministry and as Mugabes spokesman. The parties said they would ensure that the Permanent Secretary is apolitical. How this will be achieved was not addressed and it has been given to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet to resolve. Both are appointed by Mugabe and are unlikely to sack Charamba. How Charamba can become apolitical overnight is hard to see.
How the MDC parties signed up to an agreement such as this implementation matrix remains a source of curiosity for many. Psychology Maziwisa, who heads the Union for Sustainable Development, says that in any negotiation you have to give and take and make compromises, but he told our Newsreel programme he is surprised at some of the things the MDC have agreed to.
Maziwisa said the MDC is failing to use their position in government to criticize ZANU PF at close range and instead they have become too comfortable in office. Efforts to get comment from MDC-T spokesman Nelson Chamisa proved fruitless as he was thought to be in cabinet meetings most of the day.
Post published in: News