News / National
Zanu-pf senators blocks MDC motion to delay elections
10 Mar 2011 at 05:00hrs | Views
ZANU-PF senators in Zimbabwe have shot down a motion moved by the MDC to delay the holding of elections this year.
There are growing calls for Zimbabwe to delay elections until safeguards are in place to prevent a re-run of the violence in 2008.
President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party accused the two MDC factions of "ganging up" on them.
MDC Senator Sphiwe Ncube moved the motion, saying past elections had been marred by violence.
She said it was not prudent for Zimbabwe to hold elections now.
South African government officials have echoed that view, saying anyone calling for elections before a new constitution is in place will be violating the power-sharing agreement, or GPA.
However, ZANU-PF senators, who are in the majority, refused to give their backing.
They said since the GPA calls for a review after two years, they will be upholding it by calling an election.
There are growing calls for Zimbabwe to delay elections until safeguards are in place to prevent a re-run of the violence in 2008.
President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party accused the two MDC factions of "ganging up" on them.
MDC Senator Sphiwe Ncube moved the motion, saying past elections had been marred by violence.
She said it was not prudent for Zimbabwe to hold elections now.
South African government officials have echoed that view, saying anyone calling for elections before a new constitution is in place will be violating the power-sharing agreement, or GPA.
However, ZANU-PF senators, who are in the majority, refused to give their backing.
They said since the GPA calls for a review after two years, they will be upholding it by calling an election.
Source - Byo24News
