This decision by the highest authority within Robert Mugabes party was announced by their secretary for information and publicity, Rugare Gumbo, who stressed that the elections will be held, whether or not the country had a new constitution.
Speaking at the ZANU PF Harare headquarters where the politburo members met on Wednesday, Gumbo said they had received a report from Paul Mangwana, co-chairperson of the parliamentary committee responsible for the constitutional draft process.
Gumbo said Mangwanas report accused the United Nations Development programme (UNDP), of withholding funds for the countrys referendum on a new constitution, in order to delay the elections next year. The UNDP has so far donated US$26 million for the constitutional outreach programme.
Referring to these allegations Gumbo said; For us, that is neither here nor there. As a party, we will find ways around it, but we are very clear that elections will be held. He added: “If they cannot help us write a new constitution we will find ways, but elections will be held before June next year.”
Under the current power sharing deal all three parties have to agree on a date for elections. It is not up to ZANU PF to make a unilateral decision.
Gumbo also expressed the partys satisfaction with the outcome of the constitutional outreach programme, saying ZANU PFs position on various issues had received overwhelming support from people. But always there was no mention of the widespread violence and intimidation perpetrated by their party thugs, intelligence agents and military officials.
Observers have expressed deep concern over Gumbos statements. They said the plan to have polls without a new constitution shows ZANU PFs determination to keep control of the country, with Mugabe as supreme leader.
The other two partners in the GPA, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, have said reforms agreed upon in the GPA must be fully implemented ahead of any elections, if there is any hope of it being free and fair.
Political commentator Lameck Mahachi said it is typical of ZANU PF to behave as though they are not in an inclusive government. He explained that ZANU PF wants an election without making any changes to the current situation because it is in their favour. They are used to unilateralism and dont care whether Tsvangirai and anyone else exists, said Mahachi.
Post published in: News