MDC secretary-general Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga says recent claims by Zanu PF negotiator Patrick Chinamasa that parties to the Global Political Agreement had frozen all electoral reforms until after the harmonised elections were meant to cause voter apathy and instill fear among the electorate. Chief Reporter
The firebrand MDC official said contrary to Chinamasa’s claims, an array of reforms was in the pipeline for implementation before the watershed elections expected later this year.
Chinamasa, who is also Justice and Legal Affairs minister, last week said reforms would only be implemented by the party that wins the forthcoming polls.
“An array of reforms will be made. Zanu PF wants to give an impression that there are many hurdles so as to instill fear in the electorate that will result in voter apathy, yet in actual fact, there is no contestation around. We have finished the constitution-making process and there will be a lot of work to try to reform some sections in line with the draft constitution,” Misihairabwi-Mushonga said.
“I don’t understand what Chinamasa is saying when he says there would be no more reforms.
“My understanding is that Chinamasa’s ministry is actually working flat out to reform some laws to suit the country’s constitution. “Why is he saying something that is not true when his ministry is already working on things agreed on in the constitution?
“That is why the committee of party negotiators set out to resolve disputes was not dismantled. It is on the understanding that there are still some issues to be reformed.”
Misihairabwi-Mushonga said Parliament would then be tasked to complete all the necessary reforms before the expiry of its term on June 29.
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“Parliament cannot be extended and we have to complete all the reforms before that to avoid a situation where Presidential Powers would be used to decide issues.
“President Robert Mugabe is keen to have all reforms completed because the leaders of the political parties have committed themselves to peaceful elections,” Misihairabwi-Mushonga said.
