A motion to compel Zimbabwe to subscribe to the African Union Charter on Elections and Sadc guidelines regarding smooth transition of power will soon be debated in Parliament.
MDC-T legislator for Masvingo Central, Jeffreyson Chitando on Thursday gave notice to move the motion in the House of Assembly, saying it had been necessitated by the emergence of violence in the country, which gave rise to fears that orderly transition of power, in the event Zanu PF loses, may not be possible.
“Mr Speaker, noting with appreciation the peaceful transition of governments in Zambia and Senegal and also disturbed by the violent transition of government in Mali and Ivory Coast, and appreciating the role of the African Union and Ecowas in their efforts to facilitate these peaceful transitions; and aware Zimbabwe will hold elections soon yet violence has already emerged – that this House needs to ensure post electoral transition of government mechanisms are put in place,” said Chitando.
“This would ensure a peaceful transition of power and further urge Sadc and the AU to ensure that Zimbabwe subscribes to the AU Charter on elections and good governance,” he said.
Following the March 2008 harmonised election which produced no outright winner, Zimbabwe went for a run-off which proved bloody.
MDC-T alleges that over 200 of their members were murdered and thousands more displaced as the electorate was cowed to vote for President Robert Mugabe.
“We want international observers to be in the country at least four to six months before elections to monitor so that we have a legitimate leader for this country. We also want Sadc to remain in the country for at least two to four months after the elections to ensure the winning party takes over the reins,” Chitando said.
