ZIMBABWE will hold elections “before June next year”, Zanu PF’s decision making body, the politburo, has declared.
Ignoring growing concerns by its political rivals, neighbouring countries and international critics that early elections could destabilise the country, Zanu PF warned on Wednesday that the poll would not wait for a new constitution.
Rugare Gumbo, the party’s spokesman, claimed the United Nations Development Programme which stumped up US$26 million for consultative public meetings for a new constitution was withholding funds for a referendum on the draft constitution “as a way of delaying the election”.
He added: “For us, that is neither here nor there. As a party, we will find ways around it, but we are very clear that elections will be held.
"If they cannot help us write a new constitution we will find ways, but elections will be held before June next year."
President Robert Mugabe’s ruling coalition partners Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara have demanded electoral, media and constitutional reforms before elections are held.
Botswana's President Ian Khama has also raised concerns that an early election could plunge the country back into the violence witnessed in 2008 when Mugabe’s supporters, stung by a first round defeat to Tsvangirai, mobilised for a violent fightback.
Tsvangirai said 200 of his supporters were killed, forcing him to boycott a discredited run-off election which Mugabe claimed on a landslide. Mugabe succumbed to regional pressure to share power shortly after.
Khama said: “For reconciliation in Zimbabwe to have any chance of success, leading to the holding of credible elections, will require effective monitoring of the process every step of the way.
“As it is, we are becoming concerned about ongoing developments that can easily lead to a further deterioration of the situation within Zimbabwe, resulting in the possible collapse of the unity government.”
Britain’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Mark Canning also expressed reservations about an early poll. He warned this week: “It is not for us to say when elections should be held. However ... an election that is held too soon is likely to be much like the last one in 2008.
"We envisage that a poll that is held prematurely will neither be free nor fair.”
Zanu PF holds its annual conference in Manicaland from December 15 to 19 where it is expected to adopt a firm position on elections, even indicating a window when it might be held. President Mugabe says by powers vested in him, he has the sole authority to call elections -- which his coalition partners dispute.