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Press statement by the MDC National Spokesperson Hon. Mwonzora , Harvest House Harare
Movement for Democratic Change
May 19, 2011

The MDC National Council today met to discuss revised policy guidelines and other documents formulated and adopted at the third national congress in Bulawayo two weeks ago. The policy guidelines are designed to shape and direct MDC programmes for the next five years. As such they reflect the political and national sentiment on the ground on Zimbabwe's transition to a full democracy.

Particular attention was devoted to the MDC's national vision, mission and broader goals of leading Zimbabwe to the new epoch. Considerable time was spent on discussions on the election roadmap and the party's national transformation agenda.

The National Council reaffirmed its position that the party is ready for a free and fair election based on a clear roadmap, underwritten by SADC and the AU. This roadmap must have specific timelines and benchmarks.

The party was happy to note that the negotiators to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) are working on this roadmap with clear guidelines. The determination of the date of election can only be made after the report of the negotiators.

The National Council reiterated that no single party to the GPA has the authority to unilaterally declare election dates outside the national and SADC consensus.

The National Council further noted the forlorn and desperate attempts by Zanu PF to force the Windhoek summit to discuss the Zimbabwean issue in the absence of the facilitator, South Africa President Jacob Zuma. The MDC's position is that Zimbabwe cannot be discussed at that summit without the presence or a formal report from President Zuma.

As MDC, we appreciate the reasons why President Zuma cannot be in Namibia. South Africa is holding crucial local government election and President Zuma as a responsible president and leader of his party, has to be in South Africa during this period.

Therefore, because of President Zuma's commitments, the issue of Zimbabwe can only be dealt with appropriately in his presence.

The National Council later formally received the new members of the National Executive Committee elected in accordance with the Constitution of the party at the third congress in Bulawayo. In terms of the Constitution, each of the 12 provinces elects two members into the National Executive Committee. The National Council, guided by the recommendations of the National Standing Committee also elected party portfolio secretaries.

Those elected into the National Executive are;

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