Zimbabwe's Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee on Monday snubbed two members seconded by the Southern African Development Community to help monitor the political situation in Harare ahead of general elections at a date yet to be announced.
The two, Ambassador David Katye from Tanzania and Zambian national Colly Muunyu, were advanced to Harare following a SADC directive that troika members - South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania - help Harare speed-up the implementation of the Global Political Agreement that gave birth to the unity government following the bloody and disputed 2008 elections.
South Africa decided not to appoint an addition member to the team saying its role as facilitators was adequate.
Jomic co-chairperson Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga of the MDC formation of Industry Minister Welshman Ncube blamed what she called an “administrative hiccup” in her committee's failure to meet the two Monday.
She added the officials came into the country at a "very short notice". The officials will be formally introduced to Jomic on June 25 when the facilitators are expected back in Harare.
SADC resolved at a summit in Lusaka in May last year to appoint a three-member team to work with unity government officials in speeding up the implementation of outstanding GPA, including monitoring political violence.
Regional leaders at the time criticized the unity government for its slow progress in implementing the GPA. SADC has since held summits in Sandton, South Africa, and Luanda in Angola, re-affirming the Lusaka resolutions.
Zanu PF hardliners have vowed to resist the move to deploy the officials calling it an infringement on the country’s sovereignty.
Political analyst Earnest Mudzengi, director of the Media Centre in Harare, told VOA's Blessing Zulu the move by SADC is significant.
Meanwhile, Jomic said it is holding a crucial meeting in Harare Wednesday where provincial chairpersons will report back their findings and challenges in dealing with political violence and other issues.
Provincial inter party liaison committees, that include civic society representatives, traditional leaders and churches, were formed last year in attempt to address politically-motivated violence in the communities.
Thabitha Khumalo of the MDC formation of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, told VOA's Jonga Kandemiiri political violence will be high on the agenda at the meeting.