MDC negotiator to the Global Political Agreement, Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga, told The Zimbabwean that the team is expected today as per their previous communication.
“In a letter to us, they (SADC facilitation team) indicated that they would be coming on the 30th of this month. Basically, they are coming to monitor progress made so far in the implementation of the election roadmap,” said Misihairambwi.
A source within MDC-T who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Zimbabwean that their party would take advantage of the SADC team’s visit to pressure Zanu (PF) to give in to demands for security sector and media reforms which he said are part of the election roadmap.
“We will highlight to the team that security sector and media reforms are critical elements of the election roadmap and there is need for Zanu (PF) to agree to the implementation of these reforms because without them, we cannot expect a free and fair poll,” said the source.
The source said that after the visit by the SADC facilitation team, South African President, Jacob Zuma would visit the country on a date to be announced.
SADC is the guarantor of the GPA, which
gave birth to the Inclusive Government. The regional body has insisted that issues agreed as part of the election roadmap should be fully implemented before the country goes for polls.
Zanu (PF) is adamant that they will not give in to demands for security sector reforms before the next elections and this has prompted Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to launch a diplomatic offensive under which he is courting regional leaders to exert pressure on President Robert Mugabe.
When contacted for comment, Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo said he was unaware of tomorrow’s visit by the facilitation team and referred questions to his party’s negotiator to the GPA, Patrick Chinamasa, who was not available for comment.
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