Earlier this year the Zimbabwean people voted overwhelmingly for a new constitution. This was passed amid much fanfare – both within Zimbabwe and the international community. It was a major milestone in our history.
But the integrity of that constitution, indeed the integrity of our entire legal system, now rests on the shoulders of SADC’s leaders.
Our opponents say our protests about the recent Supreme Court judgment, which stated that elections must take place by July 31, is because we, the MDC, are not prepared for elections. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are absolutely ready and excited by the forthcoming election, and confident of a resounding victory. However, we are determined that the elections must be free and fair, and for that we need pressure and impartial professionalism.
We do not have a preferred date for the elections. Our position remains clear: the poll can only happen once the reforms identified in the new constitution have been implemented. Parliament must bring about these reforms – after which elections can take place.
It is recognised that Zanu (PF) is attempting to ignore the commitments to the electoral and security sector reforms that were agreed in the Global Political Agreement. People like the Zanu (PF) Minister of Information, Webster Shamu, have continued to attempt to ignore the laws laid out in the new constitution by preventing any media reform
It is crucial that these reforms do take place, particularly those surrounding the voter registration process and security sector reforms.
Voter suppression must not and cannot be tolerated. Intimidation and suppression within the armed forces violates the basic human rights of every citizen protected under the new constitution. To ignore this would be morally, ethically and judicially completely unacceptable.
We have made it clear that we are here to assist and work with SADC to provide them with whatever assistance they need in order for them maximise their election monitoring capabilities in our country. It is paramount that we have election observers – real observers who can apply real pressure. These observers must be invited without bias or partisan considerations.
Furthermore, accreditation must be done in terms of the SADC guidelines on elections to ensure total transparency of the electoral process as opposed to other parochial and partisan considerations which do not serve that purpose.
This is what we expect from SADC and this is what we hope will be achieved during the special summit. We know what needs to be done. We will not stand by and allow the violation of the Constitution and we have no intention of aiding and abetting the violation of the supreme law of the land.
I have faith and I am confident that SADC leaders understand the importance of this and the precedent that is to be set. Zimbabwe is on the verge of a new beginning – a new beginning which stands to change not just our country, but each of those SADC members too, providing we get this right.
Zanu (PF)’s last, desperate strategy to try and steal these elections is by trying to have them held before any reforms can take place, and while the electoral role still lists names of individuals that have no bearing to the reality. This cannot be allowed to happen. We call on SADC to uphold the law set out in the constitution and to do everything in their power to make sure the elections are both free and fair. Only then can a truly democratic process take place.
Post published in: News