Political scientist Eldred Masunungure told The Zimbabwean that it was an illusion to think that a peaceful election would prevail just because the referendum had been peaceful, saying that was like “comparing oranges and apples”.
“All political parties were agreed on the contents of the draft. Their supporters were told to vote yes. Peace prevailed because this was not a win-lose situation. As we draw towards the elections political polarization is going to get sharper,” he said.
Another political analyst, Alexander Rusero, said electoral reforms were needed for elections to be free and fair, adding that indications of violence were already in place with the continued harassment of Civic Society Organisations and MDC-T supporters by state forces.
South African President Jacob Zuma, the facilitator of the Zimbabwean political crisis, early this month said the government should implement all outstanding issues in the Global Political Agreement.
Among the many outstanding reforms, security sector realignment was cited as imperative for a peaceful poll in Zimbabwe. However, President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu (PF) party continues to resisted reforms in the security sector.
Post published in: News