Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

The agreement asserts an inclusive government in which all parties are represented according to their strength in both houses of parliament, amendments to the current consitution to restore the civil rights of Zimbabweans and the independence of institutions such as the electoral commission, and, finally, the start of a constitutional review process that should result in a new Zimbabwean constitution wtihin 18 months.

When all parties adhere to these terms, the agreement opens the possibility for the return of democracy, stability and economic recovery in Zimbabwe.NIMD realizes that the agreement is only a first step in a longer process which will continue to demand hard and consistent work to ensure that the rule of law returns, and a new democratic political culture will take root in Zimbabwe.

NIMD congratulates its partner, the Zimbabwean Insitute (ZI), for the crucial role it has played during the past 18 months, working with the SADC facilitation team to broker a political solution of the Zimbabwean crises. The agreement is expected to be signed in the morning of Monday 15 September in Harare. NIMD Executive Director Roel von Meijenfeldt has been invited to witness the signing ceremony.