The two MDCs are agreed that international observers have a key role to play in the forthcoming harmonised polls. Zanu (PF) has insisted that Western and other international observers have a score to settle with the party and could not therefore be invited to cover a critical process such as an election.
Zanu (PF) national spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, is adamant that his party will never give in to demands by its coalition partners to bring in international observers.
“Why do we have to bring international observers when we have our brothers from SADC and the AU?
These so called international observers have a hidden agenda and there is no way we can invite them to monitor our elections,” said Gumbo.
His sentiments were amplified by political analyst and Zanu (PF) sympathiser, Christopher Mutsvangwa.
“Why should we bring in people who are biased to observe our elections?
When the European Union countries hold their elections, they never invite Zimbabwe. There is no obligation for us to invite international observers,” said Mutsvangwa.
However, MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora said there was a need to invite international observers to curb violence and intimidation of the electorate.
He said Zanu (PF’s) position on international observers was “unacceptable”.
“They (international observers) should be and shall be invited to observe the elections.
That issue is provided for in the draft constitution. We will not give in to the demands by Zanu (PF) because they are unacceptable,” said Mwonzora.
The spokesperson of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube, Nhlahla Dube, said elections in Zimbabwe had always been manipulated hence the need to bring in international observers this time around.
“We need to get a validation from our peers in the international community whom we will also be engaging in various economic processes. We need to give them the chance to implement the democratic process here,” said Dube.
Last year, Finance Minister Tendai Biti said Western nations had an obligation to fund Zimbabwe’s elections in the same way as they assisted health and education.
However, Gumbo said Zimbabwe would not be accepting ‘dirty money’ to hold elections.
Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn spokesperson, Silver Bhebhe, said his party was in total agreement that international observers should be invited to cover Zimbabwe’s elections.
“Our position is that we welcome the issue of international observers as it will bring credibility to the election and they will also raise the alarm in cases of rigging.”
He said inviting international observes was crucial to attract foreign investors.
“We need to give them a chance to report that the election in Zimbabwe was free and fair and this will assist our efforts to lure investors. Their presence gives credibility to the elections,” said Bhebhe.
Political analyst, John Makumbe, said Zanu (PF) was unlikely to succeed in barring international observers from the elections.
“The other parties in the inclusive government are insisting that they want international observers and Zanu (PF) will not succeed in barring these observers,’ he said.
Post published in: News