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Africa Subsaharan
Major points in Zimbabwe's power-sharing agreement
2008-09-16
Major points of Zimbabwe's power-sharing deal signed Monday.

_ Robert Mugabe remains president and head of government, chairing the Cabinet of ministers._ Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is prime minister with executive powers to chair a new Council of Ministers responsible for forming government policies. He also is deputy chairman of the Cabinet.

_ Mugabe appoints two vice presidents.

_ The opposition gets two deputy prime ministers, one for Tsvangirai's party, one for the breakaway faction led by Arthur Mutambara.

_ Mugabe, acting in consultation with the prime minister, may dissolve Parliament.

_ A Cabinet of 31 ministers, 15 nominated by Mugabe's party, 13 by Tsvangirai and three by Mutambara.

_ A new constitution to be drafted with input from civic groups. Consultations to start within a month and a referendum to be held within two years.

_ State organs and institutions such as the police and army "do not belong to any political party and should be impartial in the discharge of their duties."

_ All parties commit to working toward the lifting of Western sanctions and "re-engaging the international community" to end the country's isolation.

_ An "open media environment" to be promoted by the re-registration and licensing of journalists and media organizations.
Posted by:Fred

#2  Have I got this power sharing business straight?

Tsv gets to "form" policies, but Mug is responsible for implementing them. Advantage: Mug
Mug appoints 2 VPs. Not sure this means anything; a wash
Two deputy opposition prime ministers. Doesn't mean anything. Squabbling between the two parties gives slight advantage to Mug
"In consultation" doesn't mean anything unless Tsv has to sign off on dissolving Parliament. Advantage: Mug
Cabinet split. Slight advantage Mug since Mut and Tsv don't always get along. Not sure how relevant the cabinet is going to be anyway.
"New constitution:" nothing changes, referendum will be delayed for lack of progress. Advantage: Mug
Pretty statement about police and army, without mentioning Mug's irregulars: No change. Advantage: Mug
Push to lift sanctions: A wash
Licensing journalists: A wash--whoever winds up in charge controls the media

I think I know who won the negotiations.
Posted by: James   2008-09-16 11:13  

#1  Well, at least, with the proposed cast of thousands, it will be a new be a new chapter in the never ending story of a failed state.
Posted by: Alaska Paul in Glennallen, AK   2008-09-16 01:16  

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