adminThe Herald, December 13, 1979
THE British Government yesterday removed sanctions against Rhodesia, the Governor Lord Soames, announced in an address to the nation last night.
Speaking over radio and television only six hours after assuming full executive and legislative authority over the country, Lord Soames said Whitehall now looked to other governments to do the same.
The British peer also announced that December 31 was the last day on which all political parties wishing to contest the proposed British-supervised elections should register.
But he set no date for the poll.
The deadline for registration was contained in a statement the Governor issued on arrival at Salisbury airport.
Mr Bernard Pauncefort, the Governor’s Press secretary, said last night the Governor intended to bring in legislation in the next few days which would enable him to fix the date for the electoral process and, in particular, for the parties who wished to contest the election to register by the end of the year.
“All parties who wish to participate in the election and are ready to commit themselves to campaign peacefully will be able to do so freely,” the Governor said.
The deadline for the registration of parties intending to fight the election was immediately seen as designed to impress on the Patriotic Front the urgency of reaching final agreement at the Lancaster House conference, now deadlocked over the implementation of a ceasefire.
Both statements by Lord Soames yesterday contained no dramatic announcement.
In the broadcast he made it clear it was not part of his job to make changes or take decisions “except in so far as these are necessary to enable me to carry out the immediate task and to ensure that Government services continue to operate effectively”.
Lord Soames said his task was to hold the Government in trust while political leaders devoted themselves to electioneering.
“When you have made your choice, I shall hand over my powers to the Government which you elect. Your country will then become legally independent. This is an irreversible process. My task will then be complete and I shall return to London.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
As Zimbabwe forges ahead under the New Dispensation, it should be emphasised that the removal of illegal sanctions will help improve the lives of its citizens.
In any democracy, political parties and elections play a pivotal role and ensure good governance.
The presence of political parties in any nation is a good marker of a successful democratic environment.
In the 2018 harmonised elections, more than ten political parties participated.
As the 2023 harmonised elections approach, there are calls from some quarters that political parties be registered, to avoid fly-by-night “politicians”, who divide votes for major players.
Online Reporter