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A 10-point framework for a sustainable power sharing deal in Zimbabwe
Association of Zimbabweans Based Abroad (AZBA)
September 01, 2008

The basis for any sustainable power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe now hinges on issues of power between the office of the president and Prime Minister. However, there is no clear-cut formula at arriving at an acceptable settlement. Agreement on the remaining issues can only be achieved through compromise. We reiterate that a government of national unity is not viable under the current conditions and would not be in any national interest. Zimbabwe requires a transitional authority with specific national mandates that would culminate in new elections. All the political parties in Zimbabwe need to regroup before any viable political dispensation can be achieved. Below is a ten (10) point framework we recommend would lead to an interim political solution which we believe is supported by Zimbabwean masses.

• Abolish the two posts of vice-president. All heads of security forces go on early retirement in exchange of full disclosure of prior political activism for immunity.
• Establish the office of president as head of state and commander-in-chief of the army. Appoint Robert Mugabe to this office.
• Establish the office of Prime Minister as head of government. Appoint Morgan Tsvangirai to this office.
• As primary compromise designate the ministry of home affair to MDC-T and the ministry of justice to MDC-M. However, all ministerial appointments must be recommended by the executive and confirmed by the legislature.
• Reconstitute the judiciary benches and all appointments must be confirmed by the legislature.