Regional Leaders Call For Reforms in Harare Ahead of Elections

WASHINGTON —  South African president Jacob Zuma, backed by fellow southern African leaders, is insisting that Zimbabwe implements a roadmap to elections before rushing to proclaim a date for general elections.

Zanu-PF wants elections to be held in June before Zimbabwe and Zambia co-host the United Nations World Tourism conference in August.

But the two Movement for Democratic Change formations, now backed by the regional bloc, say reforms must take place first before the holding of the crucial polls.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) executive secretary Tomaz Salomao said regional leaders will meet soon to discuss Zimbabwe.

Lindiwe Zulu, President Jacob Zuma’s international relations advisor, told VOA that SADC is closely monitoring Zimbabwe, adding that Mr. Zuma’s facilitation team has been beefed-up by three envoys from SADC who will monitor the electoral environment.

Political analyst Earnest Mudzengi of the Media Centre said SADC has the capacity to push Harare into implementing critical reforms ahead of the crucial elections.

Interview With Ernest Mudzengi

But speaking to the state broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, State Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, said the ploy by the West to push for security sector reforms is only meant to perpetuate the regime change agenda.

Regional leaders are pushing for security sector reforms ahead of the general election. Security forces are accused of dabbling in politics.