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Statement on the dismissal of the Executive Mayor of Harare, Eng Elias Mudzuri
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
April 20, 2004

CHRA unreservedly condemns the dismissal of Executive Mayor Mudzuri on Friday 16 April 2004. This latest move by the Mugabe regime should come as no surprise to the residents of Harare; we are under no illusions regarding the regime's lack of respect for democracy, especially at local government level.

Mayor Mudzuri was elected in March 2002 with the overwhelming support of residents. He polled more than five times as many votes as the zanu-pf candidate and was given a clear mandate to run Harare. This mandate has been consistently undermined by the regime which refuses to acknowledge the democratic will of the people of Harare. It is clear that from the start, Minister Chombo has been determined to prevent a successful MDC-lead administration of the city. The incessant interference coupled with suspensions and dismissals of councillors is obvious evidence of this strategy. The subversion of councillors and the imposition of a governor are the latest tactics in this grand plan to restore zanu-pf control over the city and regain access to its substantial resources.

While the Urban Councils Act certainly permits the Minister of Local Government to act with almost unlimited power, he has abused its provisions to assume a managerial role in the city. The Act must be amended to reflect the rights of residents to insist on democratic, transparent and accountable local government and CHRA is spearheading efforts towards this goal.

The regime has appointed two committees to investigate the Mayor and the Council, yet has failed to make the reports public. If there was any evidence contained therein to substantiate the allegations, surely the regime would publicize this to support its position.

CHRA has already called for a boycott of Council rates and charges until the 2004 budget is revised. We had negotiated with Council to suspend further increases but the interference of the regime has prevented the Council from meeting to ratify the agreement. This latest move only serves to reinforce our call upon Harare's residents to refuse funding the illegitimate regime's clique that is now in control of Town Hall. Until such time as democracy is restored to Town Hall, all responsible citizens of Harare should heed this call.

Be assured that Harare will survive this latest attack upon its institutions. CHRA will continue to defend the interests of its residents now and in the future.

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