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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Zimbabwe's Elections 2013 - Index of Articles
Plumtree
Election Debate Series update
Bulawayo Agenda
May 06, 2013
More than 100
Plumtree residents including human rights activists attended the
2013 Elections Debate Series last Friday at Dingumuzi Hall. Representatives
of MDC-T (Bulilima Chairperson- Norman Mpofu), ZAPU (Bulilima Chairperson
Ernest Ndlovu) and MDC (Lionel De Necker) debated on the country’s
readiness and timing of the holding of free
and fair elections. ZANU PF despite, confirming attendance failed
to send a representative for this debate once again.
Below are major
highlights of the meeting:
- The three
political party representatives called for peace and tolerance
within the communities pointing to avoid the 2008 “Manuqonde”
terror campaign allegedly driven by ZANU PF.
- All political
parties challenged the government to increase efforts towards
key reforms (Media, Legislative and Security Sector) before elections
for them to be free and fair.
- The political
parties expressed skepticism towards the appointment of Rita Makarau
as the ZEC Chairperson given her background; she was appointed
by President Mugabe in the 90s as a non-constituency MP.
- Electorate
should chose leaders based on capabilities and potential to promote
development rather than only political party identity/belonging.
- The three
political parties concurred in calling for removal of oppressive
laws (POSA
and AIPPA)
as the country is heads towards elections.
- The three
political parties said International Observers should be allowed
to observe the next elections for the results to be credible.
- Elections
should be guided by the legal frame work in line with reforms
and the SADC supervised election roadmap.
- Government
should develop mechanisms to cater for Gukurahundi victims’
challenges in obtaining identity documents and registering as
voters.
Once again,
ZANU PF did not send a representative to this debate as has been
the case with other debates in Lupane, Masvingo, Gweru, Gwanda and
Nkayi. Shunning of these debates by ZANU PF gives an impression
that the party may not be ready to face citizens and defend its
positions and actions.
Visit the Bulawayo
Agenda fact sheet
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