Wharton said Zimbabwe’s economic and political future hinged on the forthcoming elections hence the need to ensure they are
held under the best conditions.
 The GPA, signed in September 2008, outlines a roadmap for political transformation whose landmarks include electoral, security sector and media reforms. Wharton says it is critical for Zimbabwe to put in place measures that
would ensure a smooth transition of power, irrespective of which party
wins in the next election.
The Constitutional Court recently ruled that elections must be held by July 31.
“The strength of Zimbabwe’s next government will be determined by how
much confidence the people have in these elections. It’s absolutely vital that the elections be very well run and it’s not
just about the day of the elections. It’s the reforms that the GPA
calls for prior to elections. It’s ensuring that people have the
chance to register to vote.
 It’s ensuring that people have the chance to examine the voters’ roll
to make sure the voters’ roll is an accurate reflection of the
electorate,” said Wharton.
He said that the Southern African Development Community should work to
ensure that the political environment in Zimbabwe is conducive for the
holding of free, fair, credible and transparent elections.
The two MDC formations in the Inclusive Government are adamant that
security sector and media reforms need to be implemented
 before elections are held while Zanu (PF) has insisted that they
will not accede to the demands.
“I think security sector reforms are something the people of
Zimbabwe have got to work out for themselves. In our view, a
professional military is a very important part of a democratic society
but I also know that security sector reform, whether it happens in
USA, Guinea or Zimbabwe, is a difficult process. It’s not
something that can happen overnight.”
Wharton said it was important for the forthcoming elections to be
observed as widely as possible.
“It’s our view that having the broadest possible set of observers will
serve to strengthen the credibility of elections and the government
that takes office. So we would encourage Zimbabweans to be as open as
possible to observers,” said Wharton. He said that credible elections were a pre-requisite for the revision
of sanctions imposed by his country on individuals within Zanu (PF).
Zanu (PF) is opposed to further reforms as outlined under the GPA, saying the new constitution that was adopted recently provides a framework for Zimbabwe’s political roadmap.
Wharton applauded the progress made by the Government of
National Unity since its inception.
“I think it’s important to look at progress that has been made in
Zimbabwe. I think the Ministry
of Finance has brought some order to macro-economics,” said Wharton.
He said his office was working to convince American investors to come
to Zimbabwe but said the country needed to put in place investor
friendly policies.
“I think it useful to recognise that international business is used to
working in a lot of different environments but predictability,
transparency and consistency are really important,”
said Wharton.
Post published in: News