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Local government elections moved to March
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
September 26, 2007

The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development announced yesterday that the Local Governments elections have been moved to March. The Elections will now be held concurrently with the Presidential elections scheduled for the same month. The move comes amid revelations that the MDC and ZANUPF are making a major break through in the current negotiations facilitated by SADC through South African President, Thabo Mbeki.

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has been campaigning for the holding of Mayoral and Council elections in the City of Harare concurrently with the Parliamentary and Presidential elections. The Association maintains and still campaigns that the elections be held in a manner that is free and fair. The SADC community has drafted protocols on the holding of democratic elections. We urge the government to hold these elections in a manner that is consistent with these protocols.

CHRA however continues to make the following demands in view of the coming elections.

1. Repeal of repressive and oppressive legislation like POSA and AIPPA that militate against freedom of assembly and expressions. These freedoms are fundamental towards the holding of free and fair elections.

2. Amend the electoral laws to provide for an independent delimitation commission. The current electoral laws have several loopholes which can be manipulated for political expediency.

3. A new voter's roll should be created as the current one has been doctored several times. A new voter's roll will level the political playing field.

4. The Registrar General must facilitate transparent issuance of Identity cards so that the general masses who have not registered may be able to vote.

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) views elections as a fundamental tenet of justice and democracy. Elections will ensure that residents choose leaders of their choice who are driven by people's interest not by the whims and caprices of political party patronage. The elections will ensure that the City of Harare is run by leaders who are accountable to the residents. Harare has for the last 3 years been run by a commission appointed by the Minister of Local Government, Public works and Urban Development a move that has seen the quality of services offered by the City deteriorate to alarming levels.

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