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Mugabe can still call elections without the new constitution - Gumbo
06 Mar 2012 at 12:43hrs | Views
Harare - President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF says elections can be held this year even if mediator-requested political reforms aren't made.
Rugare Gumbo, Zanu-PF's spokesperson, said on Tuesday a new constitution can be ready within weeks to satisfy mediators. But he says Mugabe can still call elections without it.
South Africa's foreign minister told that country's parliament on Monday that constitutional and democratic reforms set under Zimbabwe's three-year power-sharing deal must be finalised before any new polls.
Gumbo said it is possible to put a new constitution to a referendum this year, followed by elections soon after.
South African President Jacob Zuma is chief regional mediator on Zimbabwe.
Rugare Gumbo, Zanu-PF's spokesperson, said on Tuesday a new constitution can be ready within weeks to satisfy mediators. But he says Mugabe can still call elections without it.
South Africa's foreign minister told that country's parliament on Monday that constitutional and democratic reforms set under Zimbabwe's three-year power-sharing deal must be finalised before any new polls.
Gumbo said it is possible to put a new constitution to a referendum this year, followed by elections soon after.
South African President Jacob Zuma is chief regional mediator on Zimbabwe.
Source - AP
