Three deputy MDC PMs, two ZANU-PF vice presidents...
http://www.hararetribune.com
Thursday, 11 September 2008 00:01 Trymore Magomana
Amid widespread re****ts of a GNU deal being imminent, the Tribune heard
from civic society leaders that the deal that is currently on the table
will leave Robert Mugabe as the president, deputized by two vice
presidents, both drawn from ZANU-PF.
Morgan Tsvangirai will assume the role of Premier, with two deputy
prime ministers, both coming from the MDC-T.
The civic society leaders spoke following their GNU Talks briefing
Tuesday by MDC-T's spokesperson, Nelson Chamisa.
The civic leaders spoke on condition of anonymity as is the norm for
matters concerning the GNU talks.
The Tambo Mbeki proposal further suggests that Arthur Mutambara, leader
of the rebel splinter MDC-M, be made the third deputy prime minister,
the Tribune was also told.
The revelations by the civic leaders is in line with what Mbeki has
been pu****ng for. Mbeki has taken the position that, even though
ZANU-PF lost the March 29 election, and stole the June 27 elections,
executive powers should be shared equally between the MDC-T and
ZANU-PF.
And even though Mutambara lost out there in Zengeza on March 29, the
Mbeki proposals indends to parachute him to the role of a third deputy
prime minister, something the MDC-T is against.
The civic leaders that were briefed by Chamisa were drawn from the
Progressive Teachers Union (PTU), the Zimbabwe National Students Union
(ZINASU), National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) and the Zimbabwe
Lawyers for Human Rights, among many other groups.
Among issues still to be resolved are which party will be responsible
for what ministries in addition to the lifetime for the GNU. ZANU-PF
wants the GNU to last for five years, while the MDC contends that a
period of 18 months is enough.
Analysts said ZANU-PF is pu****ng for a GNU with a longer half-life as
it knows that in any free and fair elections it will lose to the MDC.
In pu****ng for a transitional period of five years, ZANU-PF will buy
itself time to deal with the succession issue and the future of those
with blood on their hands.
The Mbeki proposal also creates a 'Council of State,' a body set up to
deal with the appointment of key public servants, from ambassadors to
RBZ governor.
Analysts argued Wednesday that a 50-50 GNU will further tear Zimbabwe
apart. There will be accusations and counter accusations from MDC and
ZANU-PF government officials in ministries that overlap, analysts said,
a prospect that would bring government functions to a halt.
The Mbeki proposal also makes Mugabe and Tsvangirai co-chairs, with
equal power, of the cabinet.
|
