MDC president Welshman Ncube yesterday said political parties in the inclusive government agreed on the July timeline for general elections, but June would be more feasible to allow for a possible runoff before the world tourism conference in August.
Report by Everson Mushava
Addressing civil society organisations in Harare, Ncube said holding elections in July would be a big gamble because the timing of a runoff would coincide with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in Victoria Falls and Livingstone in August.
“After 29 June the inclusive government will be dissolved,” Ncube said.
“Therefore, the election should be held soon after this. “If the elections are held in July and fail to produce a president, a runoff will coincide with the UNWTO meeting.
“This will be a big gamble. So maybe the election will be held in June and a runoff before the UNWTO meeting.”
Speaking about the practicality of the elections, Ncube said although July had already been agreed through negotiations facilitated by South African President Jacob Zuma, September would be more practical.
He said this would allow implementation of reforms if a new constitution which is due to go for a referendum on March 16 is adopted.
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This includes a 58-day notice period before the polls. Ncube said completing reforms on the Electoral Act and other sections would make the September date more practical.
“Emotions say June is best, but practicalities would make September best,” he said.
The Industry and Commerce minister said government was broke and lived from hand to mouth, lacking resources to finance mobile voter registration.
This, he said, was the reason why government was now armtwisting businesses into donating towards elections and requesting assistance from donors.
