Presidents of the MDC- T: Morgan Tsvangirai, Mavambo Kusile Dawn: Simba Makoni, Zimbabwe African People's Union: Dumiso Dabengwa, Vice president of the Welshman Ncube led Movement for Democratic Change: Edwin Mushoriwa and Zanu-Ndonga Chairperson: Reketai Semwayo said the constitutional court ruling pitting July 31 2013 as the election deadline is not feasible and is an "infringement on the right to vote for the majority of Zimbabweans."
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Harare today, leaders of the five political parties expressed reservations about the practicality of the July deadline arguing that the date alienates millions of Zimbabweans from the voting process.
Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku last week ordered President Robert Mugabe to proclaim the country’s election date and hold elections before July 31 2013.
According to the ruling, failure by Mugabe to fix the date before the Seventh parliament is dissolved makes it legally impossible for the country to hold polls on June 29, 2013, when the current parliament’s term of office expires.
However, the MDC formations have been calling for media, security sector and electoral reforms as a precondition to free and fair polls arguing that a four month delay in holding elections is constitutionally possible.
In a joint statement read on behalf of the five political parties, President of the MDC-T, Morgan Tsvangirai said: “Ironically, the court action protects the rights of an individual applicant.
“However, it infringes on the rights of eligible voters to have adequate time to register to vote and elect a government of their choice in a free and fair environment.”
Tsvangirai highlighted that the five political parties had affirmed their commitment and readiness to participate in the forthcoming elections, but the leaders valued the implementation of reforms as a basis for credible, free and fair polls.
Tsvangirai told journalists that there was consensus among the five political parties on the implementation of the 30 day voter registration exercise, amendments of the electoral law and all laws that have a bearing on election and media reforms for credible polls.
He said: “There is need to give effect to constitutional provisions specifying that members of the security forces are not active members or office bearers of any political party or organisation.
“The government must ensure and assure citizens that elections will be held in accordance with the SADC guidelines and principles for conducting democratic elections and the agreed roadmap to elections,” said Tsvangirai.
He highlighted that the parties were optimistic that SADC would reaffirm previous resolutions to holding democratic elections in Zimbabwe.
“We resolved that we will communicate this position to SADC and we look forward to the SADC extra ordinary summit to affirm previous resolutions and the agreed roadmap to elections,” said Tsvangirai.
MKD President, Simba Makoni said while the parties respect the constitutional court ruling, there is need to ensure the implementation of agreed statutes to speed up election dates.
He said: “Political will is important for an early election. There is need to adhere to set guidelines if elections are going to be held earlier. Commitment to implement agreed reforms is very important.”
Post published in: News