Polls next year, says President

“We cannot go beyond March next year. I will definitely announce that date. It does not matter what anyone would say.
“Once I announce the date, everyone will follow. I have the Constitutional right to name an election date with the GPA or no GPA. We cannot continue to have this dilly-dallying,” the President said.
He said he would soon communicate the position to South African President and Sadc facilitator Mr Jacob Zuma.
President Mugabe said this, however, should not appear as if he was defying President Zuma.

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On the constitution, he said: “It appears those we put in place to manage the process are proceeding at a snail’s pace. One wonders whether the delay is genuine or not genuine.
“It would appear those engaged in the process are enjoying. The longer it takes, the better for them. Zvirikunakidza. Some said Mr President do not be surprised, they are getting allowances and do not want their allowances to get to an end.”
President Mugabe said even principals to the GPA were yet to be given reports on progress made so far in the making of a new constitution.

He said Copac co-chairperson Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana had briefed the Zanu-PF Politburo this week on “what appears to be progress.”
“We cannot be satisfied by the reasons being given for the delay. We understand finances are flowing. What is not forthcoming is the real work, the pace,” President Mugabe said.
He attributed the delay to fear by the two MDC formations that the completion of the constitution-making process would pave way for elections.

“We have those who fear elections and there are many in the MDC who feel intimidated by thoughts of another election. They fear to lose,” President Mugabe said.
He said Zanu-PF was going to push for the speedy completion of the constitution-making process and reminded delegates to the NCA that one of the resolutions of the party’s National People’s Congress held in Mutare last year was for elections to be held this year.

“This year is coming to an end. This is September. The inclusive Government has run its full course and whatever time it is having now is actually stolen time,” President Mugabe said.
He then urged unity in Zanu-PF and condemned those fanning factionalism.

“If we do not have unity, we would not succeed as a political party. We cannot have unity based on preferences, leader’s preferences. Leaders cannot have preferences. It is the party that has preferences not leaders . . . This is what destroys unity even in the provinces.
“Once we say ava ndivo vaSK Moyo, ava ndivo vasiri vaSK Moyo, ava ndivo vaMugabe, ava ndivo vasiri vaMugabe ndevaani? Ava ndivo vaMai Mujuru, vasiri vaMai Mujuru ndevaani?

“Let the people be the ones who choose you. Let us work for unity. Let us put Zanu-PF in front and the country as well. Let us keep together, this is the last NCA meeting we are having before elections,” President Mugabe said.
He reminded the NCA delegates how some former Zanu-PF cadres such as Dr Simba Makoni, whom he described as a brilliant scholar, were doomed when they made a wrong political turn and formed Mavambo party.
President Mugabe scoffed at calls by the MDC formations for security sector reforms saying those wishing for such a development should continue dreaming.

“The security forces will remain what they are. We have one of the best armies in Africa. We fought the struggle here. We helped the struggle in Mozambique, DRC and served in the UN peacekeeping missions.

“If there is any force to be proud of in Africa, it is the Zimbabwe National Army,” he said.
President Mugabe briefed the NCA on the sad loss of national hero Retired General Solomon Mujuru in an inferno at his farmhouse in Beatrice.

“Our bodies shudder each time we recall how painful a death he suffered in the inferno that took away his life. We remain baffled and puzzled even as we try to fathom how the Almighty God recalled him in this heartrending fashion after his distinguished service in all areas of his life, including the supreme sacrifice he paid for the liberation of the country,” he said.

To Vice President Mujuru, he said: “May this shared grief comfort her as should the outpourings of grief and exaltations that have come and continue to come from Zimbabweans across all shades of life.”

President Mugabe condemned black farmers who benefited under the land reform programme, but were now forming partnership with displaced white farmers.
He said the issue would be tackled soon and those found on the wrong side will be dealt with.