Zimbabwean and regional political observers offered mixed opinions on Friday as to the chances for success of the national unity government resulting from the power-sharing deal struck Thursday in Harare by the ZANU-PF party of President Robert Mugabe and the Movement for Democratic Change of Morgan Tsvangirai.
Reporter Carole Gombakomba of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe sought the perspectives of independent South African-based analyst Hermann Hanekom and Professor John Makumbe of the University of Zimbabwe.
Makumbe said the accord is a step in the right direction, but warned that those
involved should carefully consider its terms before signing it
on Monday. He said the MDC should be commended for insisting on a comprehensive and detailed agreement at a time when Mr. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party is reluctantly accepting the need for reform.
Zimbabwean Clever Mtiba of the Harare suburb of Dzivarasekwa told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye that he hopes the deal will help the economy. Another VOA listener in Mutare, who gave his name as Bamu, said he hopes to see national reconciliation.