Gideon Gono wades into row over elections

Gono, one of Robert Mugabes most trusted aides, told the weekly state controlled Sunday Mail that the economy favours no elections for now while political dynamics and imperatives may favour or dictate otherwise. In deciding when and whether or not to hold elections, a fine balance may need to be struck between the twin objectives of politics and the economy, Gono told the weekly paper.

His remarks come amid concerns that ZANU PF is pushing ahead with plans to hold elections this year. But the two MDC formations in the shaky unity government, and business leaders, have also voiced concern, saying the country is not ready for polls. Economic analyst Isaac Dziya said that in simple terms Gono is telling the nation that Zimbabwe is too broke to have an election.

Its a fact that the country does not have the $400 million required to have elections. Its also a fact that the situation on the ground is not yet conducive to have elections, as stated by Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa last week, though he was vilified by his party for telling the truth, Dziya said.

Political analyst Bekithemba Mhlanga told us what is needed in Zimbabwe is political stability, which also ensures economic stability. If you have political stability the country will become suitable for investment and this will in turn boost growth and economic empowerment. But there is instability in Zimbabwe and it increases uncertainty and discourages investment, impedes economic growth and hurts living standards. So as long as you have ZANU PF in power you will not attain any political stability, Mhlanga said.

A ZANU PF politburo meeting last week Wednesday endorsed the party’s national conference resolution in December, which was to hold elections this year without fail. Analysts however point out that it is not up to ZANU PF to declare when Zimbabwe can hold its elections. It needs the approval and agreement of the other parties to the GPA and SADC. Foreign affairs spokesperson for SADC mediator President Jacob Zuma, Lindiwe Zulu, has said parties in the Global Political Agreement should first implement outstanding issues and have in place a new constitution, before an election can be held.

Following last weeks politburo ruling Zulu, who is also one of the members of the South African mediation team, said; Totally and categorically there will be no election in Zimbabwe in 2011. She described the politburo decision as irrelevant to the SADC process of drawing up an election roadmap.

It is hoped that the roadmap will be tabled before a full SADC summit this Friday in Windhoek, Namibia, if President Jacob Zuma attends. But there have been doubts as to his attendance, owing to local municipal elections being held in South Africa.