Zanu PF avoiding elections in 2008

By Lance Guma
20 September 2005

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa has hinted at the possibility of Robert Mugabe retiring in 2010 and not 2008 as stated to by the Zanu PF leader. The party is considering further constitutional amendments that will result in the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections at the same time. Presidential elections are held every 6 years while the parliamentary version is held in 5-year intervals.

The next presidential election is due in 2008 while the legislative polls take place in 2010. Any harmonization plans could go both ways. An early 2008 presidential poll or a delayed 2010 parliamentary poll are all distinct possibilities. Mugabe has strongly hinted at retiring in 2008 but Chinamasa’s announcements are being viewed as a deliberate sampling of views from party members on whether they would consider a two-year extension to Mugabe’s reign.

The Justice Minister says they are weighing up various options including a 7-year presidential term, which would harmonize with parliamentary polls from 2015 onwards. National Constitutional Assembly Chairman Dr Lovemore Madhuku however believes Mugabe will retire in 2008 and install Vice President Joyce Mujuru as his successor. She will be elected interim President by parliament up until the elections in 2010. He drew a precedent with the election of Mugabe as President following the introduction of an Executive Presidency in 1987. Parliament propelled Mugabe from Prime Minister to President between 1988 and 1990 pending proper elections.

Mugabe’s party won a two-thirds majority from a highly controversial 2005 parliamentary election and has been using this to amend the constitution. A few weeks back the party passed a new law nationalizing all farm land, blocking court petitions on acquired farms and giving themselves power to seize passports belonging to their critics if its considered in the ‘national interest’.