The timelines, that include the adoption of a new constitutition and electoral, security and media reforms are contained in the GPA guaranteed by Sadc.
Indigenisation, Economic Empowerment and Youth Development minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who represented Zanu PF at the just ended Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), said although his party was of the view that the GPA expired 24 months after the unity government as formed, all the three parties had agreed on the timing of the next polls.
“The 24 months have passed and if the conditions are not conducive, the three parties should make a formal announcement in that regard and when elections do happen whoever wins should run the country,” Kasukuwere said.
He claimed Zanu PF and the two MDC formations spoke with one voice when behind closed doors, but get carried away when in front of their constituencies.
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“As politicians we must allow the country to move forward,” he said.
“And when we talk about elections, we must also send signals to the international community that sanctions should be lifted. This should come from all political parties.”
Energy and Power Development minister Elton Mangoma, who is also one of the MDC-T negotiators in the interparty talks, said free and fair elections were not possible this year.
“There will be no elections this year,” Mangoma said. “If you look at the timelines we have agreed on, it could be in 2012 or 2013.”
However, Mangoma said the polls could not be postponed beyond 2013 since it was a statutory requirement.
Regional Integration minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga of the smaller MDC faction said before Zimbabwe could conduct any elections, there were certain benchmarks which had to be met.
“I am sure we cannot have an election this year,” she said. “Worry less about what we (politicians) say in public but what is on the table. We do have a frame work. That is my message to business.
“The GPA is a peace process meant to create an environment for free and fair elections but such conditions have not been met.”
The Constitutional Parliamentary Committee has indicated the draft constitution can only be ready in October and a referendum could be held in January.
President Robert Mugabe had demanded that elections be held this year saying he is no longer happy in the inclusive government.
