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Mugabe's Party Resists Further Reforms Ahead of Elections

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Blessing  Zulu

01.02.2013

WASHINGTON — Political temperatures are again rising in Harare even after the three parties in the government of national unity agreed to a final draft of the constitution after more than 3 years of sometimes heated debate.

Zanu-PF chief negotiator and Justice Minister,  Patrick Chinamasa, on Thursday told the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper that after the constitution, there will be no further reforms ahead of elections expected this year.

Mr. Chinamasa was responding to remarks by MDC-T chief negotiator and Finance Minister, Tendai Biti, that there is need for further reforms. The MDC wants the reform of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission secretariat, media laws, and the security sector. 

The MDC also wants international observers to be deployed early to monitor the pre and post election environment. Zanu-PF is likely to clash with the Southern African Development Community appointed mediator Jacob Zuma, whose envoys have also said they want reforms ahead of elections.

The envoys were in Harare on Tuesday and promised to visit the country more frequently to ensure outstanding issues in the election roadmap are resolved.

Political analyst Earnest Mudzengi also director of the Media Centre told VOA that the presence of Mr. Zuma’s envoys is likely to help MDC’s cause.
Interview With Earnest Mudzengi
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Meanwhile, the MDC says thousands of people have submitted nomination papers to contest in the partys council, parliamentary and senate primary elections.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa had said earlier that his party’s primary elections would be held this month but party sources said they are likely to be postponed due to wrangling over the criteria of choosing candidates.

The MDC formation led by Industry Minister Welshman Ncube is also accepting nomination papers.

Organising secretary Nelson Chamisa of the Tsvangirai MDC sad everyone is pleased with the quality of candidates who want to represent the party.
Interview With Nelson Chamisa
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