Zim will go for elections with or without new constitution says Mutambarta

Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara says Zimbabwe will go for harmonised elections next year with or without the new constitution for the sake of progress.

Professor Mutambara made the remarks when the United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Bruce Wharton paid him a courtesy call at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare this Tuesday.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Zimbabweans are the champions of their own destiny and told the diplomat that Americans should respect the views of the institutions in the country to ensure there are cordial relations between the two countries.

Mr Wharton said he got a brief on the developments in the country, especially on the issues surrounding Save Valley Conservancy, saying the project is good for the people of Zimbabwe considering that there is participation of the local communities.

Zimbabwe has made progress towards the crafting of a new constitution but the Constitutional Select Committee has failed to finish its job resulting in delays in announcing dates for the referendum and general elections.

Relations between Zimbabwe and the US have been strained since 2000 when Zimbabwe embarked on the land reform programme.