Illegal sanctions top the election roadmap

"Global Political Agreement (GPA) negotiators signed an election roadmap timelines mandating all parties, especially MDC-T, to vigorously call for the removal of the callous illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West. And for the re-engagement Committee formed upon the inception of the inclusive government, in February 2011 to be re-activated to pursue re-engagement with the West. The document was submitted to the three GPA principals, and the SADC appointed facilitator Mr Jacob Zuma," Minister Chinamasa has said to the media in Harare.

"Tsvangirai and his party have a mammoth and pivotal task enshrined in the GPA and this election roadmap, to accomplish before Zimbabwe can proceed to free and fair elections. They have are a mandatory obligation to unequivocally shout to their western sponsors to lift the illegal sanctions which they commanded to be imposed on Zimbabwe. If the illegal sanctions are not removed before polls, the political landscape would be uneven. Therefore, there won't be free and fair elections," said Solomon Muza a political commentator.

Other issues agreed upon include the constitution-making process which would be determined by COPAC. The draft constitution would be brought before Parliament within 60 days of the referendum. The delimitation of constituencies and gazetting of polling stations would be done in terms of the constitution. The Presidential proclamation of the election dates should be done in consultation with the Prime Minister.

 The negotiators also agreed that the enactment of agreed electoral amendments would be done within 45 days from the date of agreement. Voter education and mobilisation for voter registration would be done in 30 days, while voter registration and preparation of a new voters' roll would be done in 60 days. Inspection of the voters' roll and production of the final voters' roll would be done in 45 days. The negotiators would also meet with the Commissioner-General of police within 30 days.

Free and fair polls hinge on MDC-T's actions and allegiance to the national interests of Zimbabwe by crushing the stinging sanctions.