President Robert Mugabe sprang another surprise today and announced that elections will be held on 31 July, a Wednesday.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said immediately that the move was unlawful and unconstitutional and he might challenge it in court.
Mugabe amended the Electoral laws by decree instead of going through parliament to facilitate the elections.
The amended electoral laws ensure that all political parties have access to the state broadcaster and that the results of elections will be posted outside polling centres.
Mugabe said in an official notice: “Given the deadline imposed by the Constitutional Court, it is inexpedient to await the passage through Parliament of an act dealing with the situation.”
The Constitutional Court said on 31 May the elections must be held by 31 July with seven out of the nine judges agreeing.
Elections chief Rita Makarau said she was ready to hold the elections.
The Southern African Development Community is holding a special meeting in Maputo on Saturday to discuss the Zimbabwe issue.
Amnesty International and the United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton both today urged SADC to ensure free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe.
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