alternatehistory.com

Zimbabwe-Rhodesia was born out of the negotiations led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, with the moderate nationalist leaders during the course of 1978. These negotiations were held to find a lasting settlement to the Rhodesian situation. They were to set the stage for a democratic majority rule government, which would respect all the people of Rhodesia. On the 3rd March 1978, Abel Muzorewa and the other moderate leaders signed an agreement at Governors Lodge, Salisbury, which paved the way for the interim government, the leadership of which was an Executive Council made up of, Bishop Abel Muzorewa, Rev. Ndabaningi Sithole and Chief Chirau, along with Ian Smith.

This Executive Council would run the affairs of state prior to elections taking place. A new constitution was drafted and in a referendum which took place in January 1979, it was accepted by all the people of Rhodesia, with an overwhelming majority of 85% voting Yes.

Internationally observed elections followed in April 1979, they were free and fair and fully represented the views of all the Rhodesian people. As the results were announced, it transpired that Abel Muzorewa and his UANC (United African National Council) party had gained a parliamentary majority, and he would head the government as the first black Prime Minister of a majority ruled Rhodesia. He would take office on the 1st June 1979 heading his Government of National Unity, which included Ministers from all the other parties, including the former Prime Minister, Ian Smith.

Here’s the AH Challenge: How can Zimbabwe-Rhodesia survive? And what would be the long-term effects?
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