Speaking after SADC leaders endorsed the resolutions of an earlier mini-summit of the regional body’s security troika held in Livingstone, Zambia, in March, Ncube said the task at hand for the three main parties was how to implement GPA issues already agreed by their negotiators – and not to negotiate new issues.
“Our hope is that there will be a clear focus on implementation of what has been agreed,” said Ncube. Mugabe has frustrated matters by linking the implementation of outstanding matters to the lifting of restrictive measures imposed on him and senior officials of his party by the West in 2002 for human rights abuses.
Still to be implemented are issues related to the creation of a non-partisan security force, unilateral appointments of government officials by Mugabe and far-reaching electoral reforms.
The weekend summit also approved an election roadmap crafted by negotiators from the three parties and asked them to come up with appropriate timelines on the process leading to the next polls.
The roadmap, being crafted under the watchful eye of a team of South African facilitators, is one of the conditions that the two MDC formations have demanded should be in place before any elections are held.
It includes adopting a new Constitution, drawing up a fresh voters’ roll, an end to political violence and passing of new electoral rules by Parliament.
It is doubtful if Mugabe, who is pushing for elections to be held this year despite objections from the MDC formations, will adhere to SADC's recommendations.
The Zimbabwean strongman was defiant as ever this week, boasting to a captive state media corps on arrival at Harare International Airport that the Johannesburg summit was another diplomatic victory for Zanu (PF).
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