In this respect, SADC is ready to extend the necessary assistance that
the people of Zimbabwe may require beyond these elections, within the
available means.
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You will recall that SADC played a critical role in assisting Zimbabwe to
address the challenges that arose from the conduct of the 2008
elections. To resolve these challenges, SADC, supported by the African
Union (AU), worked with the relevant stakeholders of Zimbabwe and
developed a Roadmap leading to the signing of the Global Political
Agreement (GPA) between the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the three Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) formations. SADC's intervention also resulted in the
establishment of a consensus-based Government of National Unity
(GNU) which contributed to the stabilisation of the political and economic
system of the country.
Subsequently, the Roadmap led to the adoption of the new Constitution
of Zimbabwe in 2013 through a referendum, replacing the Lancaster
House Constitution which had many shortcomings that, invariably,
contributed to the tensions between various contesting parties.
We therefore note with appreciation that the key provisions of this new .
Constitution were first applied during the 2013 Harmonised elections in
Zimbabwe.
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
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