News

• Aug 18, 2015: Mugabe Set to Hand Over SADC Chair to Botswana's Khama (News24 Wire) 2015 Botswana President Ian Khama is set to become the next Southern African Development Community (SADC) chair when Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe vacates the position next week
• May 05, 2015: Zimbabwe: Donors Pressure Tsvangirai to Join Mujuru As Deputy, AllAfrica (2015) OPPOSITION MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai is reportedly grappling with a quandary after donors made clear he either joins up with former vice president Joice Mujuru or risk losing financial support.
• Apr 19, 2015: Zimbabwe: Why Respect for Separation of Powers Principle is Vital, DailyNews (2015) An article assessing the virtues of upholding constitutional separation of powers.
• Apr 19, 2015: Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai to Boycott Elections Unless Reforms Made, News24 (2015) An article looking at Zimbabwean opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai's (MDC-T) refusal to participate in the June 2015 Parliamentary by-elections in the absence of reforms.
• Apr 19, 2015: Zimbabwe: Grace Mugabe Ditches Plan to Land Cabinet Post – Report, News24 (2015) An article reporting on Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe not contending in the June 2015 by-election for a cabinet post.
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• Jan 28, 2014: Zimbabwe's opposition leader Tsvangirai urged to resign, News24 (2014) In this article, deputy treasurer general, Elton Mangoma of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) has wrote a letter to the party leader, Morgan Tsvangirai urging him to step down.
• Nov 20, 2013: Zimbabwe: Succession 'tears Mugabe's Zanu-PF apart', News24 (2013) In this article, factions positioned themselves for the eventual succession. It is reported that Zanu-PF leader, President Robert Mugabe is struggling to contain the struggle rocking his party.
• Aug 06, 2013: 2nd Zimbabwe electoral official quits, News24 (2013) In this article, another Zimbabwe Electoral Commissioner resigns. Professor Geoff Feltoe is the second member to hand in his resignation after Mkhululi Nyathi quit the body on Saturday.
• Aug 01, 2013: Zim cops warn against leaked poll results, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe police vows to crack down on thoses who may attempt to leak early election results. Frances Lovemore, a senior official at the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) says the Police thwarted plans to collate election results posted outside polling stations by declaring it an offence to send results via text messaging or the Internet.
• Aug 01, 2013: AU monitor - Zim vote 'free and fair', News24 (2013) In this article, Head of African Union Election Observer Mission, former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo says the conduct of the election... has been peaceful, orderly, free and fair thus far. He was speaking at the closing of a polling centre in Harare.
• Aug 01, 2013: Counting under way in knife-edge Zim polls, News24 (2013) In this article, Vote counting is under way in Zimbabwe. It is reported that there was a high turnout across the country.
• Jul 31, 2013: Zimbabwe: Succession questions loom amid Mugabe re-election bid; SABCNews (2013) As the country goes to poll this morning, the question on most people's mind is who will succeed Robert Mugabe after the election. It is reported that succession battle has already began.
• Jul 31, 2013: Zim woman holds back tears after voting, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabweans begin to cast ballots. Robert Mugabe has owed to step down if he lost the election.
• Jul 31, 2013: 'Citizen army' to monitor Zim polls, News24 (2013) In this article, citizen army is using social media like tweeter and facebook to report incidents across the country.
• Jul 16, 2013: Extend Zim early poll - monitors, News24 (2013) In this article, Local observers call for Zimbabwe to extend early voting. This comes afetr special voting for the security services on was plagued by late-opening polling stations and shortages of voting materials in some polling stations on Sunday.
• Jul 16, 2013: Zim voting chaos continues on 2nd day, News24 (2013) In this article, there are delays at some polling stations due to delays in printing of election papers. Special voting for government personnel who will be on duty on election day, got off to a slow start on Monday.
• Jul 11, 2013: Carter Center Denied Accreditation to Observe Zimbabwe's Elections, AllAfrica (2013) In this article, The Carter Center is denied accreditation to observe the July 31st election by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
• Jul 11, 2013: SADC urged to assess Zimbabwean election climate, SABCNews (2013) In this article. The opposition party in Zimbabwe, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) urge SADC leaders to convene a meeting in order to assess the conditions for holding credible elections.
• Jul 11, 2013: Zimbabwe $85m short for election, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe's finance minister, Tendai Biti tells how the country does not have money for July 31 elections. This has not discouraged the two main parties in the country from rolling out their intense campaigns.
• Jul 03, 2013: SA pushes for month delay in Zim polls, News24 (2013) In this article, South Africa wants Zimbabwe to postpone elections by at least one month.
• Jun 28, 2013: 3 Madagascar candidates may face sanctions, News24 (2013) In this article, President, Andry Rajoelina, Lalao Ravalomanana who is the wife of former President, Marc Ravalomanana and ex-president, Didier Ratsiraka face sanction from the European Union, the United States and the African Union unless they withdraw from a planned election.
• Jun 27, 2013: Ruling delayed on Zim election date, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe's top court postpones a hearing that would consider calls to delay the general elections. President Robert Mugabe asked the constitutional court to push back the date by two weeks while Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai petitioned the court for a longer delay.
• Jun 07, 2013: Zim polls: Tsvangirai hints boycott, News24 (2013) In this article,Zimbabwean Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai warns that his party would consider boycotting the next elections if media and security reforms are not implemented before the election. This comes after the Constitutional Court made a ruling last Friday that the country should hold elections by July 31.
• Jun 07, 2013: SADC calls off Zimbabwe summit, News24 (2013) In this article, Southern African Development Community (SADC) postpones a special summit on Zimbabwe. The summit was expected to be held on Sunday in South Africa to assess Zimbabwe's readiness to hold the general elections. No reasons were given on the postponement nor was a new date announced.
• Jun 04, 2013: Special SADC summit on Zim poll funding, News24 (2013) In this article, President Robert Mugabe briefed his supporters upon his return from Addis Ababa that Southern African Development Community (SADC) is to convene a special summit on Zimbabwe to co-ordinate efforts to mobilise resources to finance the Zimbabwe's upcoming elections.
• Jun 04, 2013: Zimbabwe: Mugabe says elections by 31 July, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe vows to abide by a court ruling to hold elections before the end of July 2013.
• May 10, 2013: Zim parliament OKs draft constitution, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament approves a draft constitution. It is reported that all lawmakers present voted in favour of the draft.
• May 09, 2013: Zimbabwe: 30,000 new voters register to vote, SW Radio Africa (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson says nearly 30000 new voters have registers since the mobile registration exercise was launched two weeks ago.
• May 08, 2013: New Zimbabwe constitution to parliament, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe's draft constitution is sent to parliament for approval.
• Apr 19, 2013: Zimbabwe parties disagree on polls, News24 (2013) In this article, parties disagree on the elections. It is reported that this comes after letters were written to the United Nations for help with finance the upcoming election.
• Apr 19, 2013: Zim withdraws call for UN vote funding, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe government withdraws its appeal for the UN funds to help hold the upcoming election. It is reported that government saw "conditionalities" by the team as unacceptable.
• Apr 19, 2013: Zimbabwe: ACDP, IFP favour Zimbabwe loan, News24 (2013) In this article, two opposition parties in South Africa are said to be in favour of loaning money to Zimbabwe to fund the upcoming election.
• Apr 09, 2013: Zimbabwe not ready for elections - Biti, News24 (2013) In this article, Finance Minister, Tendai Biti says the country is not ready to hold credible elections unless few things are done as a matter of urgency. He continued to say, postponing the poll is not even an option.
• Mar 27, 2013: Zimbabwe: MDC-T primary elections to be held in April, SW Radio Africa (2013) In this article, Nelson Chamisa, MDC-T national organizing secretary, reveals that the party will hold its primaries mid-April. It is expected that this elections will be the most competitive primary elections in the history of the MDC-T, since its formation.
• Feb 14, 2013: Zimbabwe: Referendum date set, News Day (2013) It is reported that Constitutional Affairs minister, Eric Matinenga announced that referendum will be held on March 16. He is reported to have got a message from the President’s Office.
• Feb 14, 2013: Zim election chief resigns, IOL (2013) In this article, Justice Simpson Mutambanengwe resigns as chair of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. It is reported that cited ill health as the reason for his resignation.
• Feb 07, 2013: Zim draft charter cleared for referendum, News24 (2013) In this article, Zimbabwe's parliament presents the long-awaited draft constitution. The draft is now cleared for the referendum which is expected to be held this year.
• Feb 04, 2013: Zimbabwe: MDC-T ‘big guns’ unchallenged in party primaries, In this article, A number of the MDC-T top officials are not facing any challenges for the party primaries.
• Feb 04, 2013: Zimbabwe: SADC to observe referendum, SW Radio Africa (2013) In this article, Tendai Biti, the MDC-T lead negotiator confirms that SADC will deploy observers to monitor the country’s referendum.
• Jan 25, 2013: Zim polls definitely this year – Tsvangirai, News24 (2012) In this article, Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai assures that Zimbabwe will hold elections this year. It is reported that he said, the upcoming referendum will be a formality since there is a consensus by all parties.
• Jan 22, 2013: Zimbabwe: President calls for peaceful elections, The Herald (2013) In this article, President Mugabe calls for peaceful elections. Its reported Mugabe was addressing thousands of mourners who were paying their last respect to Cde Nkomo.
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• Nov 19, 2012: Zim warns violent poll may stunt growth, News24 (2012) In this article, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Tendai Biti warns of election related.
• Oct 31, 2012: Mugabe: New constitution before poll, News24 (2012) In this article, Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe sasy he expects next elections to be held under a new constitution. Mugabe was addressing parliament yesterday when he told members that the major objective is holding the next harmonised elections in March 2013 under a new constitution.
• Oct 31, 2012: Zimbabwe Zim polls: Biti warns Mugabe, Tsvangirai, News24 (2012) In this article, Zimbabwe's finance minister, Tendai Biti appeals to the party principals to preach peace to their supporters during election campaign. He said, if parties continue with political fighting they risk plunging the economy into an abyss.
• Oct 23, 2012: Zimbabwe: Mugabe wants peace at constitution talks, News24 (2012) In this news article,Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe calls for peace during constitution talks. He said this will pave way for national elections in the next year's elections.
• Oct 03, 2012: Zimbabwe seeks $104m for referendum, News24 (2012) In this article, the Zimbabwe's electoral commission says it will require $104m and at least six weeks to make arrangements to hold a referendum on a new constitution.
• Oct 01, 2012: Zimbabwe monitors: March polls not on, News24 (2012) In this article, Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), an independent monitoring group in Zimbabwe says it is impossible to hold free and fair elections in March. This comes after a call by President Robert Mugabe, for election to be held in March next year.
• Aug 15, 2012: Zimbabwe: Mugabe wants peace, News24 (2012) In this article, Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe calls for peace ahead of the constitutional referendum and elections. It is reported that he called all stakeholders to end violence and hostility and to show tolerance for each other.
• Jul 25, 2012: Zimbabwe: Mugabe ‘ready to accept Zim poll result’, City Press (2012) In this article, Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai says he believed President Robert Mugabe is ready to accept election results. He says he does not believe that Mugabe will risk another election related violance.
• Jun 07, 2012: SADC tells Zimbabwe to complete reforms, News24 (2012) In this article, Southern African leaders urge political leaders in Zimbabwe to set specific deadline for completion of political reforms.
• Apr 12, 2012: Zimbabwe: Mugabe succession debate intensifies, News24 (2012) The article is about succession debate following the rumours that Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is seriously ill.
• Mar 20, 2012: Zimbabwe: World 'mustn't let Mugabe rig election', News24 (2012) In this article Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai urges the world not to allow President Robert Mugabe to rig future elections. He called on the world to insist on the necessary reforms to create a conducive environment for free and fair elections.
• Mar 15, 2012: No cash for early Zim polls, says Biti, News24 (2012) The article is about explanation given by Zimbabwe's finance minister, Tendai Biti that the country does not have enough money for early presidential election.
• Mar 14, 2012: Tsvangirai Demands New Zimbabwe Constitution Before Elections, VOA (2012) In this article Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai is rulling out polls before a new constitution is in place. He is reported to have released a document with conditions in which his party will participate in the next elections.
• Feb 15, 2012: Zimbabwe minister doubts polls this year, News24 (2012) Zimbabwe's constitutional affairs minister had on Wednesday told journalists that the referendum will most likely be held in August or September. This has also cast doubts on bids to hold elections this year.
• Feb 15, 2012: Zim suspends NGOs as election looms, News24 (2012) Reports coming from Zimbabwe are that 29 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been suspended. This is seen by many as the same crackdown similar to that preceded elections in 2008.
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• Feb 10, 2012: Zim proposal will block Mugabe re-election, News24 (2012) The draft constitution submitted to Zimbabwe Constitution Select Committee (COPAC) is said to prohibit President Robert Mugabe from running in the next elections.
• Feb 10, 2012: Zimbabwe: Outrage over Zim's 1st draft constitution, News24 (2012) It is reported that Zimbabwe's first draft constitution is out. The much-awaited draft is now being reviewed by the Constitution Select Committee (Copac). Legal experts in the country went on to name the draft as an "organically-flawed" regime change document.
• Jan 17, 2012: Zimbabwe: MDC-T prepares for global protests against slow pace of reforms, SW Radio Africa (2012) It is reported the opposition MDC-T led by its leader and Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai are preparing world wide protests on the slow pace of reforms.
• Jan 17, 2012: Zimbabwe: COPAC to tighten security following disruption by war vets, SW Radio Africa (2012) It is reported that security will be increased in the offices of Constitution Select Committee (COPAC) in Harare. This comes after angry war vets last week disrupted a joint briefing.
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• Dec 12, 2011: Zimbabwe: ANC offers election help to Zanu-PF, News24 (2011) It is reported that the ruling party in South Africa, the African National Congress has offered to help the ruling Zanu-PF win the upcoming election. In the reports that come from Zanu-PF's annual congress on Saturday, it is said that ANC secretary general secretary, Gwede Mantashe said they will help Zanu-PF with strategies.
• Dec 12, 2011: Zimbabwe: Mugabe wins party vote, News24 (2011) It is reported that the ruling Zanu-PF members have endorsed Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe to stand for election next year.
• Dec 10, 2011: Zimbabwe: Mugabe confident of poll victory, News24 (2011) President of the ruling Zanu-PF party and Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe says he is confident his party will win the next elections. He was addressing delegates at the annual convention held on Thursday.
• Oct 25, 2011: Zimbabwe: Goche conceded Mugabe lost 2008 election, SW Radio Africa (2011) It is reported that Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai’s new book ‘At the Deep End’ contains revelations by the former Security Minister and ZANU PF MP, Nicholas Goche conceding that ZANU PF leader, Robert Mugabe lost the 2008 election.
• Oct 25, 2011: Zim elections will cost $220-million, says commission, Mail & Guardian (2011) Deputy chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Joyce Kazembe said the estimated cost of the upcoming elections is $220-million. She also mentioned that officers are ready as the have already been trained.
• Sep 22, 2011: Zimbabwe: ZANU PF pushing for second GNU, SW Africa News (2011) It is reported that the ruling ZANU PF is pushing for a second ‘unity’ agreement. This is to try and have a longer political life line. The current coalition government is in its last days and the the original Global Political Agreement (GPA) has not been fully implement.
• Sep 06, 2011: Zimbabwe: Mugabe says elections to be held in 2012, SW Africa News (2011) It is reported that Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe has stated that the country will have elections early next year. It is said that President Mugabe told ZANU PF’s National Consultative Assembly that elections will be held after a new constitution has been adopted.
• Jul 22, 2011: Zimbabwe: COPAC deadline for a referendum now 31 December, SW Radio Africa news (2011) A co-chairman of COPAC, Douglas Mwonzora has told SW Radio Africa the September deadline was no longer possible. He said the South African facilitation team which is currently in Harare has been told about this.
• Jul 15, 2011: Zanu-PF insists on Zimbabwe elections this year, SABCNews (2011) The article reports on the push by the ruling Zanu-PF to have elections this year. This is dispite negotiators from ZANU-PF and Morgan Tsvangirai's (MDC) agreed July 6 on a timeline for election preparations which would put the polls in 2012.
• Jul 11, 2011: Zimbabwe: Unofficial poll result announcers face jail, The Herald (2011) Everyone making unofficial announcement of election results in Zimbabwe will face jail term or a fine. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is the sole body mandated to run and announce poll results countrywide.
• Jul 07, 2011: Zimbabwe polls a year away: Officials, SABCNews (2011) The article reports on the possible election date for Zimbabwe. It is reported that one of the top officials, Patrick Chinamasa, who is also the chief negotiator for President Robert Mugabe, said most official propose August or September 2012.
• Jul 01, 2011: Zimbabwe's opposition parties ponder coalition, Mail & Guardian (2011) The article reports on the possible coalition in Zimbabwe. It is reported that one of the opposition leaders has hinted on the possible coalition between opposition parties.
• Jun 23, 2011: Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Satisfied With RG's Office, AllAfrica (2011) The article reports on the satisfaction expressed by the ruling Zanu-PF delegation. It is reported the delegation visited national registration centre in Harare and were taken for a tour of the database centre.
• Jun 09, 2011: Broken Zimbabwe boomerangs into SADC sights, Mail and Guardian (2011) Southern African leaders led by Jacob Zuma are meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa over the weekend to discuss the political crisis in Zimbabwe.
• May 23, 2011: Zimbabwe: Mugabe Favours Sekeramayi to Succeed, AllAfrica (2011) It is reported that President Robert Mugabe prefers Minister of State Security in his office, Sydney Sekeramayi to succeed him.
• May 06, 2011: Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai Expects Elections Within 12 Months, AllAfrica (2011) Just few days after after being reelected as the party leader at the party congress last weekend, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai has expressed his wish that elections in Zimbabwe be held within the next 12 months. But he said that this will depend on the consensus on an election date and the new constitution is agreed upon and supported in a referendum.
• Apr 10, 2011: Zimbabwe: Zuma's Team And GPA Negotiators Still Locked in Talks, All Africa (2011) The article discusses negotiation process in Zimbabwe. It is reported that the negotiators to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the facilitation team were still locked in talks.
• Feb 21, 2011: Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai Says Ready for Polls, All Africa(2011) The article discusses the readiness of the opposition party in Zimbabwe. Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, and current Prime minister said his party will participate in the elections due to be held this year as long as conditions are conducive for a free and fair poll.
• Jan 25, 2011: Zimbabwe: MDC Demotes Robotics Scientist Mutambara From Deputy Prime Minister, All Africa (2011) The article reports on the recommendation by the MDC that Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Arthur Mutambara be demoted. It is reported that the party recommends that the current leader, Professor Welshman Ncube take over as the deputy.
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• Jan 24, 2011: Zimbabwe:Third of Zimbabwe's registered voters are dead, Mail and Guardian (2011) The article discusses Zimbabwe's current voter's roll. It is reported that the country's voter's roll contains a large number of ghost voters.
• Jan 21, 2011: Zimbabwe: Poll Plan Too Early, Says Zuma Aide, All Africa (2011) The article discusses the mediation process in Zimbabwe. It is reported that Jacob Zuma's negotiators have told the ruling parties in the country that they should first implement their power sharing agreement before thinking about elections.
• Jan 20, 2011: Zimbabwe: Biti sounds warning over Zim elections, Mail & Guardian (2011) The article discusses the corncerns raised by Zimbabwe's finance minister, Tendai Biti. It is reported that he is worried that the country could face "bloodbath" at elections this year if prevention measures are not put in place.
• Jan 12, 2011: Zimbabwe: Mutambara Booted Off MDC Party Helm, All Africa (2011) The article discuss MDC-M party's congress. It is reported that a petition was drawn against the then party leader and the current country's Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Arthur Mutambara. Mutambara then decided to pull out of the leadership race. Mutambara praised his party for the transparent change of leadership and assured that even without a position in leadership he will be a "soldier in the party".
• Jan 04, 2011: Zimbabwe 2011 election may be postponed - report, Reuters (2011) This article discusses the possibility of a delay in the 2011 elections in Zimbabwe to allow the constitutional reform to be completed. President Mugabe's ZANU-PF party endorsed plans to call early polls two weeks ago, but some sources stated that it is highly unlikely that the polls will be held before June.
• Dec 21, 2010: Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai warns Mugabe over election, ABC News (2010) This article reports on the statements by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai regarding the next election in Zimbabwe. The Prime Minister stated that the date for the next election can only be determined by both himself and president Robert Mugabe. It would be illegal, he argued, for Mr Mugabe to unilaterally set a date for new elections.
• Nov 18, 2010: Zimbabwe: Yes to elections, No to violence - Tsvangirai, The Zimbabwean (2010) This article reports on the preparations for the elections in Zimbabwe. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai stated that his MDC party is ready for the elections scheduled for 2011, but only if a series of conditions are met. The poll should be held in a peaceful environment, with an updated voters' roll and with monitors in the country six months before and six months after elections.
• Nov 16, 2010: Zimbabwe Parties gear up for elections despite regional call for road map, VOA News (2010) This article reports on the Southern African Development Community's call for a road map to elections in Zimbabwe. The ruling ZANU-PF party is calling for early elections, but the opposition Movement for Democratic Change believe that the country is not ready yet. The SADC believes that the country needs reforms first, as well as a new constitution.
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