The call by Mugabe for election coming June was described as political noise directed to the Zanu (PF) audience which wanted Zimbabwe to go to the polls without agreed reforms.
Political analyst, Goodwin Phiri, told The Zimbabwean that: “Mugabe speaks to different constituencies which include Zanu (PF). The 29 June 2013 date was meant for Zanu (PF) supporters even though everybody else knew it was logistically impossible.”
Phiri said even after the signing of the Constitutional Bill into law yesterday at State House does not give Mugabe the powers to proclaim election dates before reforms and consent from other GPA principals.
He said the constitutional electoral process has to be observed before any election is held.
“SADC, AU and other foreign players learnt lessons from the Zimbabwe June 2008 election fiasco and want things to out correct this time around. There will not be any short cuts this time around,” said Phiri.
Another respected political analyst, Enerst Mudzengi, said: “In the Zimbabwe situation Mugabe could have been correct to proclaim the 29 June 2013 election date before the new constitution since here politics reigns supreme.”
President Mugabe signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act into law paving the way for elections later this year after the election road map has been cleared of sticking points.
Eight provisions of the new constitution to do with elections would take immediate effectiveness following the signing.
The provisions include Chapters 3 relating to citizenship, Declaration of Rights, election and assumption of office of the president, election of members of parliament, relating to the jurisdiction and powers of the Constitutional Court.
Chapters to do with principals of administration and leadership, conduct of members of the security forces and provincial and local government would also take immediate effect.
Post published in: News