Elections
A closer look at by-elections in Zimbabwe
Sokwanele Article: July 25th, 2009
Map showing looming by-elections, and potential by-elections - click to enlarge
The map above illustrates constituencies where seats are exposed to by-elections as a result of MP deaths and MP convictions. One seat has fallen vacant due to Lovemore Moyo becoming Speaker.
In addition to this, there are nine other seats which are currently under threat because of MPs awaiting trail. Two of these nine seats are held by Zanu PF, and three of the deaths were also Zanu PF seats. This means the MDC potentially faces 16 by-elections (assuming those awaiting trial are convicted and lose their appeals and imprisoned for more than six months) and ZanuPF potentially faces five by-elections, under the same terms. This means the overwhelming majority of seats which are exposed to by-elections are held by MDC, seriously threatening their parliamentary majority.
As we note at the end of this blog, Robert Mugabe is charged with calling the by-elections, and the longer he delays calling the elections, the closer we come to the end of the one year agreement where the three main parties agreed to not field candidates against each other.
Statement by MorganTsvangirai on the Resolutions made by the National Council
Sokwanele Article: January 30th, 2009
“Therefore, in accordance with the party’s constitution, the political agreement we signed on September 15th 2008, and in the best interests of the welfare of all Zimbabweans, the MDC has resolved to form an inclusive government with Zanu PF and MDC-M” - Morgan Tsvangirai
Statement by the Leader of The Movement for Democratic Change, President Morgan Tsvangirai, on the Resolutions of the Party's National Council Meeting at Harvest House, Harare
Today, the MDC's National Council met as we once again find ourselves at an historic crossroads in our decade-long struggle for democracy. Throughout this struggle, the MDC has been guided by the principles of democracy and by the will of the people. This campaign is neither easy nor straightforward and often we have had to change the fronts on which we wage the struggle in response to changing circumstances and conditions.
The MDC was established to bring about change through the ballot box. This we achieved despite overwhelming odds, culminating in our historic victories in the March 29th Parliamentary, Presidential and local government elections.
Interim statements by the SADC and PAP Election Observer Missions
Sokwanele Article: June 29th, 2008Find, at the end of this post, links to the preliminary statements by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Election Observer Missions (EOM) to Zimbabwe. We've provided a snapshot of some of what they said below, but you must download and read the statements for the full details.
SADC EOM:
"There was a low turnout during the runoff compared to the 29 March 2008 harmonised elections"
"The pre-election phase was characterised by politically motivated violence, intimidation, and displacements.
"The process leading up to the presidential run-off elections did not conform to SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections".
"[...] the Mission is of the view that the prevailing environment impinged on the credibility of the electoral process. The elections did not represent the will of the people of Zimbabwe"
PAP EOM:
