The three political parties in Zimbabwe’s inclusive government have expressed divergent views on President Robert Mugabe’s address to the Fourth Session of the Seventh Parliament on Tuesday.
MDC-T chief whip Innocent Gonese praised President Mugabe for preaching non-violence, but challenged him to translate his remarks into action.
“What is important is that we must now walk the talk because often what is said in speeches does not translate to what happens on the ground, especially when you look at issues of violence,” said Gonese.
“We have to make sure this message cascades down and is delivered in sincerity and that all political party structures are informed to stop violence so that when we go to elections we have a peaceful environment.”
Gonese said implementation of resolutions was the most important stage, especially pertaining to the Air Zimbabwe issue, which had been an albatross for a long time.
MDC chief whip Edward Mkhosi said the condemnation of violence by President Mugabe was commendable, but Zanu PF should prove they were serious about it as they were the main perpetrators of violence.
“We hope they will take it seriously so that we do not go for elections with the ugly face of violence. People are talking of elections, but this year it is clear we cannot hold them because we still have to complete work on the new constitution,” said Mkhosi.
He said without the completion of the new constitution, the implementation of the new legislative agenda announced by President Mugabe would be a difficult task and most Bills might end up being crafted after elections when there is a new government.
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But Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo said: “The President touched on pertinent issues that affect every Zimbabwean economically and culturally, especially when he mentioned the issue of sanctions. Non-tolerance to violence is also an important issue that President Mugabe touched on.”
