HARARE - Tourism minister Walter Mzembi says elections must be held before June to avoid disrupting the forthcoming United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) general assembly slated for August.

Zimbabwe is expected to co-host the key tourism event with Zambia in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

“The timing of elections is an area that remains a presidential prerogative and in this particular instance to the wisdom of the three Principals.

But, I did proffer what I thought would be in the best interests of the nation to have them as soon as possible assuming we have a (constitutional) referendum and thereafter a general election before the month of June,” said Mzembi at the Diplomats Award held last Friday in Harare.

While the constitution referendum is well on course to be held soon, stakeholders and market players say the continued delay in the holding of the polls creates uncertainty, which dampens confidence.

Holding elections before the UNWTO general assembly, Mzembi said, would be a strategic decision.

“The event will be in celebration of brand Zimbabwe, brand Zambia and indeed brand Africa for it is within the context of brand Africa that this general assembly is happening. The (government of national unity)
Principals agree that this is a unique branding opportunity for any government that emerges after the election,” added Mzembi.

This comes as Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has raised the same concern.