Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                        Mugabe Announces Referendum Date

   Zimbabwe`s President Robert Mugabe has issued an official proclamation
   setting a March 16 date for a referendum on a proposed new
   constitution, a move that sets the stage for national elections later
   this year.
   In a Friday statement, Mr. Mugabe said he considered it "desirable to
   ascertain the view of voters" as he announced his decision on the
   issue.
   His proclamation follows announcements earlier this week by Prime
   Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Eric Matinenga, the constitutional
   affairs minister.
   Mr. Tsvangirai said presidential and parliamentary elections were
   expected in July.
   The proposed new constitution would, for the first time, set
   presidential term limits. However, the limits would not be retroactive.
   As a result, Mr. Mugabe, who has led the nation since its independence
   in 1980, could run again. The 88-year-old president has indicated he
   will seek another term.
   The National Constitution Assembly has said it will challenge the March
   referendum date in court. The NCA, which is composed of pro-democracy
   groups, says the government needs to provide a debate period of at
   least two months before voters decide on the constitution.
   Zimbabwe`s 2008 elections were marred by violence, most of it by
   supporters of Mr. Mugabe`s ZANU-PF party.
   The unrest prompted regional leaders to nullify Mr. Mugabe`s victory.
   He later formed a power-sharing government with Mr. Tsvangirai.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/mugabe-announces-referendum-date/1604
   579.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/mugabe-announces-referendum-date/1604579.html