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by-elections be held during the harmonised elections slated for end of March next year.
The parties yesterday said they were already making preparations for the harmonised polls.
This follows Judge President George Chiweshe’s extension of the dates for by-elections in three vacant Matabeleland House of Assembly constituencies to March next year.
President Mugabe sought an extension of dates citing financial constraints, among other challenges.
“This is a very good and reasonable ruling given the situation which we are faced with,” said Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo.
“We have to go to the Second All Stakeholders’ Conference, then the referendum.
“Everyone knows that we don’t have the resources. It was reasonable on the part of Judge Chiweshe that he granted the extension of holding of these elections.”
Zanu-PF, Cde Gumbo said, had always been ready for the harmonised elections, but will continue mobilising people.
MDC-T deputy spokesperson Mr Joel Gabbuza also welcomed the ruling.
“From an economic point of view, the ruling makes sense that we have harmonised elections than by-elections now and then harmonised elections six months down the line.
“Even politically, within the remaining six months, what political value can be derived by the constituencies if by-elections are held? It was not going to make much of a difference. It’s clear that having by-elections now doesn’t make both economic and political sense.”
Mr Gabbuza said his party was ready for the elections as long as conditions were suitable for free and fair polls.
MDC director for policy and research Mr Qhubani Moyo added: “If the President gives notice by March next then it means elections can only be held in June 2013.
“It’s an important pronouncement by the court that gives people of Zimbabwe more time to finalise the necessary reforms that will lead to the holding of free and fair elections and these reforms include the completion of the Constitution-making process, alignment of electoral laws with the new Constitution.
“For us everything is on track to ensure that we are sincere to the cause of the nation by effecting all the changes that will ensure political stability in the country.”
Zanu Ndonga leader Mr Gondayi Vhutuza said the ruling put into perspective the economic challenges facing the country.
“The ruling has been done in line with our economic constraints and as a party we welcome anything which will make us quickly go to the elections and get rid of this inclusive Government.
“I want to say Zanu Ndonga, led by Gondayi Paul Vhutuza, is ready for the elections. It is for the first time in our history that we are preparing to field candidates in all constituencies,” he said.
Mavambo Kusile Dawn leader Dr Simba Makoni said he had not seen the High Court ruling, but indicated that his party was ready for elections once the dates were legally pronounced.
Copac co-chairperson Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the Constitution-making process would have been completed by March next year.
“The Constitution would have been completed by March next year because we are expecting to have the referendum this year. All the other steps after that are much easier,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has already indicated that it is ready to conduct a referendum and harmonised elections by March next year if Treasury released the funds.
ZEC acting chairperson Mrs Joyce Kazembe on Tuesday said about US$104 million was needed for the holding of the referendum.
It is also understood that about US$160 million would be required for the harmonised elections.
Judge Chiweshe granted President Mugabe’s application to extend the election dates after hearing the arguments on the merits of the case from both the
President’s representatives and lawyers representing the three legislators.
President Mugabe was expected to publish by-election dates for Nkayi South, Lupane East and Bulilima East by October 1, but his lawyer Advocate Ray Goba successfully obtained an order for the extension.
The by-elections were set to fill vacancies left by Abednico Bhebhe (Nkayi South), Norman Mpofu (Bulilima East) and Njabuliso Mguni (Lupane East) who were dismissed from their party in 2010.
The President cited lack of financial resources to conduct the by-elections.
Last year, the High Court in Bulawayo ordered the President to publish the by-election dates within 14 days.
The President appealed to the Supreme Court, resulting in Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku upholding the High Court’s decision.
He gave the President up to August 31 this year to publish the by-election dates.
Before August 31, the President successfully got an order for the extension of the deadline to October 1.
Last week, the President’s lawyers filed a fresh application to extend the deadline to March 31 next year.
leeroy