Mugabe told a Zanu (PF) pre-election Central Committee meeting on Saturday that even international lobbying would not stop elections from happening, and that the June date was in accordance with the law as Parliament would have ceased to exist.
Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said the June date was not feasible and would only result in a sham election as key reforms are yet to be implemented. “The question is on the quality of such an election. If the elections are to produce legitimate results, they must be carried out after adequate preparations pertaining to the financial, administrative and logistical aspects have been made. I don’t think those requirements are likely to be in place in the next two months,” he said.
“If the elections are rushed, they are not likely to be credible or accepted as legitimate internally or internationally. Elections can be held in June but they will produce dubious results.
Another analyst, Rejoice Ngwenya said “June 29 is around the corner and no primary elections have taken place, reforms have not been implemented and voter registration is not yet over. Zanu (PF) are prepared to embarrass themselves. They are creating unnecessary anxiety and if they come back and say we were wrong, somebody has to go to the Supreme Court and say this is unacceptable because how long are they going to continue with that lie?”
The deputy spokesperson of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube, Kurauone Chihwayi, dismissed Mugabe’s sentiments as “kindergarten talk”.
“Our view is that some mischievous individuals within Zanu (PF) are misleading Mugabe on elections and they are overrating his powers to call for elections in a three-party coalition government. Our understanding is that we can call for elections four months after June 29. The election date should be the result of consensus,” he said.
MDC-T National Organising Secretary, Nelson Chamisa is on record saying calling for elections in June is as impossible as “trying to impregnate a man”.
Post published in: News