Back to Index

This article participates on the following special index pages:

Trade unionists speak out on the signing of the MoU
Trade union activists
July 26, 2008

This was based on the need to know the agenda of the talks and to also analyse the MoU:

• There were mixed feelings on the issue of talks with some expressing dissatisfaction over lack of representation of other stakeholders at the talks while others saying there is no need for that at this stage.
• It was agreed that the Arthur Mutambara faction should not be part of the talks as he was not a presidential candidate. The common position was that the 27th June was a non-event and therefore a nullity, so the talks should be based on the March 29 presidential election, therefore the need to include Simba Makoni and Langton Towungana.
• The composition of the negotiating teams was also brought under scrutiny. It was noted that only the MDC-T has negotiators who have the locus standi to negotiate on behalf of the Zimbabwean electorate as they are the ONLY elected MPs among the negotiators.
• It was agreed that the talks should produce a transitional authority which should include representatives from civil society and social movements. Its task would be: To facilitate the writing of a new democratic people driven constitution; to facilitate and supervise the holding of fresh elections under the new constitutional dispensation; to open up and democratize space for the operations of civic organisations, social movements and aid groups; to resolve the current economic crisis and ensure equitable distribution of national resources.
• The transitional authority should not exceed a lifespan of 18 months. The role of SADC: It was resolved that SADC should be involved throughout the period right up to the election of new government. It should ensure that:
• There is cessation of the political violence through the dismantling of the current militia bases and the provision of international peace keepers.
• It plays a supervisory and monitoring role to the transitional authority.
• It provides a dispute resolution mechanism.
• It should monitor the elections with the assistance of the international community.

A neighborhood discussion was also held at the community activists expressed concern at not being consulted about what their wishes are. They were worried that the whole issue seems to be based only on who goes into a position of power rather than the needs of the people.

Building linkages

• Public meetings where people like MPs, Councilors and Senators are invited. Demands to be presented at such platforms.
• Organising meetings in the community where representatives of various political parties are invited and asked to respond to issues. This also builds tolerance amongst the people thereby breaking the political divide.
• Holding consultative meetings with various civic organizations so that they account for their existence and show the impact of their work.

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP