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The Herald, September 19, 1979
THE Patriotic Front has demanded half the seats on its proposed eight-man council to run Zimbabwe Rhodesia in the run-up elections.
The proposal tabled here yesterday also calls for an unspecified number of PF representatives on the bodies controlling the Army and Police.
The document presented to the Zimbabwe Rhodesia constitutional conference at Lancaster House provides for public service officers to be sacked “in the public interest” during the transitional stage.
A PF spokesman, Mr Eddison Zvobgo, explained, however, that this would be used only “in very rare cases”.
The Patriotic Front wanted “as little disruption during the transitional as possible”.
Bishop Muzorewa recorded his delegation’s “very strong reservations about the document”.
The document, which Mr Zvobgo described as “reasonable and fair”, records the PF’s acceptance of a United Nations peace keeping force during the transition.
This was not meant as a slight on the previously proposed Commonwealth role, the PF spokesman said.
But Mr Willie Musarurwa, the spokesman for Mr Joshua Nkomo, told reporters that the group of former colonies had become “involved” in the dispute.
By calling for four of the proposed eight seats on the governing council, the PF was reflecting its stronger position inside the country, Mr Zvobgo said.
“We have become so strong now that we don’t need a majority on the council. So, we said, let’s go even,” he explained.
The PF proposes that the remaining four seats to go “members representing Britain and the regime.”
One of the British representatives would be the chairman. The proposals call for a transitional period not exceeding six months.
The governing council would appoint no more than 20 Ministers who would join the council in exercising legislative power.
The document makes provision for the Chief Justice and all judges of the high court to be relieved of their posts on the formal installation of the transitional administration.
An acting Chief Justice would be appointed by the governing council. There will also be curbs on the “Government controlled news media” so that it will “not be used to disadvantage of any party contesting the elections . . .”
Martial law and the State of Emergency in Zimbabwe Rhodesia would also be lifted, all executions stopped, and all political prisoners freed.
The bishop’s delegation to the conference insisted yesterday it wanted to continue bilateral discussions about a constitution, and sources within the delegation said the bishop intended returning to Salisbury at the end of this week, Iana reports.
The delegation would remain in London led by a black Minister.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- When negotiating, it is always pertinent to put your best foot forward especially when you feel you are at an advantage. The Patriotic Front demanded half the seats on its proposed eight-man council to run Zimbabwe Rhodesia in the run-up to the elections because it felt that it was a stronger group.
- When negotiating a settlement, it is always good to give specific timeframes to guide any roll-out. In this case, the transition period was not supposed to exceed six months.
- When considering a transition, it is ideal to have a few people to ensure a smooth process.
- In any transition, there will always be casualties. In this case, some civil servants’ jobs were expected to be on the line although it was only going to be done in rare cases.
Online Reporter