Source: MDC wary of Zuma mediation – DailyNews Live
Fungi Kwaramba 23 August 2017
HARARE – The MDC has cast doubts on new Sadc chairman Jacob Zuma’s ability
to act as the region’s mediator if a dispute erupts in next year’s
eagerly-anticipated elections.
Zuma’s involvement may be needed in Zimbabwe to break a feared election
impasse if the poll is disputed after assuming the rotating chairmanship
of the 15-nation Sadc on Saturday.
The MDC claimed the South African president was not firm on violence after
he granted diplomatic immunity to First Lady Grace Mugabe which enabled
her to return to Harare and avoid prosecution for the alleged assault of a
20-year-old model, Gabriella Engels.
“President …Zuma … on Saturday, 19 August 2017 assumed the
chairmanship of Sadc, the very day his government granted Grace Mugabe
diplomatic immunity after the assault of Gabriella Engels.
“What guarantee do we have that Sadc will take a strong position if
violence erupts in next year’s watershed elections?” the MDC asked
rhetorically in a statement.
MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said elections in Zimbabwe have frequently
been marred by serious electoral irregularities such as intimidation of
voters and blatant vote rigging as was the case in the July 2013
harmonised elections.
“We would like to call upon Sadc to do whatever is within its power to
ensure that next year’s elections in Zimbabwe be held in a free and fair
environment that will guarantee a credible outcome,” Gutu said.
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