ZIMBABWE — HARARE - A power-sharing deal has been struck in Zimbabwe between MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe.

 

The question now is what is the balance of power between Tsvangirai and Mugabe in the coalition government.

 

 

South African President Thabo Mbeki told reporters in Harare late Thursday that those details will be made known to members of the public Monday when the official signing ceremony will be held.

Several regional leaders are expected in Harare for the ceremony.

"They have all endorsed the document, signed it," Mbeki said. "All that parties have signed without reservations."

The composition of the unity government was still being worked out Mbeki said.

MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa told ZimDaily that "a deal has been reached and it has been confirmed by President Mbeki."

 

 

 

 

He said the major task at hand was how to address the fundamental concerns of the people such as food and jobs, the democratisationn of the country and addressing the economic crisis.

Chamisa said he was confident the deal would hold, despite skepticism.

He added that both parties were committed to having the deal work.

"We need to give the kind of deal that has been put in place a chance," Chamisa said, refusing to divulge further details. "That will be the agenda and business of the new government."

ZimDaily heard that the deal involved a Council of State that will be headed by Mugabe and a Council of Ministers that will be headed by Tsvangirai.

A source said Tsvangirai had prevailed in his demand for handpicking Cabinet and had also demanded some of the gubernatorial posts.

 

There are however no vacancies as Mugabe has already appointed all the 10 provincial governors.

It also remained unclear what role Mutambara would play. But there were reports that Tsvangirai was insisting on having a deputy from his faction, saying Mutambara did not deserve to be vice prime minister because he had not contested the presidential poll.

 

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