The UN Secretary-General expressed dismay at the slow pace of the implementation of the Global Political Agreement, urging the parties to speed up reforms for a free and fair poll.
“We hope that the next election will be held in a free, fair and non-violent manner. The next election in Zimbabwe should be held differently from the one held three years ago,” the UN boss said.
“We are pleased that you are putting independent Commissions in place, especially the Human Rights Commission and on our part, we will do everything possible to ensure a free and fair election. We want to prevent tension and violence in the next election.”
The PM thanked the United Nations for its concern over the situation in Zimbabwe, urging the world body to assist by supporting the regional effort to ensure all parties adhere to the roadmap.
“We are worried about State sanctioned violence and some of us are committed to ensuring that we have a legitimate and credible poll. We are seeking global support for the position of SADC on the roadmap to a credible poll,” the PM said.
PM Tsvangirai lamented the slow pace of reforms, especially media reforms, which he said were a key ingredient for a conducive environment for free and fair elections.
In his concluding remarks, the UN secretary-general said his main focus on the global scale was on sustainable development, provision of energy, food and clean water.
“In Zimbabwe, we want to ensure that there is no violence, no loss of lives and no loss of property,” he said.
The PM met the UN secretary-general at the world body’s headquarters in New York.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State in his office, Hon Jameson Timba, Principal Director in the PM’s Office, Mr Lazarus Muriritirwa, Head of Protocol, Mr James Maridadi and the PM’s spokesperson.
Post published in: Africa News