Mugabe approves changes

2008-01-20 09:23

Harare - Zimbabwean authorities have passed changes to the country's tough security laws after President Robert Mugabe gave his final seal of approval, a state daily reported on Saturday.

The government also passed revised electoral laws ahead of Zimbabwe's upcoming presidential and legislative polls expected in March.

"The amended Public Order and Security Act and Access to Information, Protection of Privacy Act and Electoral Laws Amendment Act are now part of the country's laws following assent by the President," The Herald newspaper said.

The revised media laws provide for the reconstitution of a government media commission which licences journalists and news organisations, while the amendments to the security law compel the police to give valid reason for banning a rally.

The changes were passed by parliament last month as part of a deal between the ruling party and the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), aimed at resolving the nation's crises.

SADC leaders mandated South African President Thabo Mbeki last March to broker talks between the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) and the MDC.

As part of the deal, the MDC reached an agreement with the government in September on the adoption of a bill paving the way for joint presidential and legislative elections in March.

In the ongoing negotiations, the MDC had expressed concern about the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Broadcasting Services Act, Electoral Act and Public Order and Security Act.

Critics said the media and security laws were used by Mugabe to stifle opposition to his 27-year rule.

- AFP