A political settlement between Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) looks headed for a major breakthrough following an agreement by the two parties to draft a new constitution that would make way for a transitional government.
Paul Themba-Nyathi, an opposition party spokesperson said the MDC and Zanu-PF have started putting together a new constitution that will see President Robert Mugabe relinquishing power. It remains unclear how long the process will take.
”Given the scenario on the ground we sincerely believe there is progress in the process of negotiations though no formal talks are currently underway,” said Themba-Nyathi, adding: ”There has been an agreement between the government and the MDC to come up with a new constitution that will automatically pave way for a transitional authority.”
Nathan Shamuyarira, the ruling party spokesperson could not be reached for comment as he was said to be attending the funeral of Simon Muzenda, Mugabe’s first vice President since independence.
But John Nkomo, the Zanu-PF chairperson was quoted in one independent weekly last week saying his party was more than determined to see a kick start to the stalled talks between the two parties.
”We in Zanu-PF have always said we are ready to discuss with anybody without exception… I therefore have no doubt in my mind that there will be a breakthrough soon,” said Nkomo.
”What may be left now is a pronouncement of the breakthrough, if only the press can help us in projecting these things, they would have done much more than any individual can do.”
Talks to resolve the country’s ever-deepening political and economic crisis collapsed last year after the two parties failed to agree on key issues.
The MDC refused to drop its court challenge against Mugabe’s re-election as head of state in an election widely condemned as flawed and unfair last year.
It argued the presidential election was marred by violence, intimidation and other ”gross irregularities”.
The MDC has vowed not to withdraw the court challenge.
Morgan Tsvangirai, MDC president, said he was also hopeful the talks would succeed this time, urging the people to remain at ease.
”No talks have started as yet, but as soon as the ball starts rolling we will inform the people. They should not be so much agitated,” said Tsvangirai in an exclusive interview after holding a closed meeting with other party heavyweights in the second largest city over the weekend.
The MDC leader last month set October 1 as a deadline for Zanu-PF to have committed itself to the talks or face unspecified action.
Asked what course of action his party was likely to take, now that the deadline was drawing closer without any progress on the dialogue, Tsvangirai backtracked and denied ever setting a deadline for the talks. So did Themba-Nyathi.
As soon as the talks start, the MDC will issue a formal statement to its supporters, stakeholders and the international community, Tsvangirai said. – Sapa