NYAZURA — MDC-T secretary-general Tendai Biti told villagers in Nyazura, Makoni South Constituency at the weekend his party would not be forced into an election whose results would be contested.
Biti said a scenario similar to the 2008 election bloodbath should be avoided by an agreed election roadmap.
He urged the villagers to ignore suggestions by Zanu PF that elections would be as early as March 2012 saying that could only happen after all parties agreed on election terms.
“It’s impossible to have elections in March next year. Don’t listen to those voices because a lot of things need to be done before election dates are set.
“ Zanu-PF has been reluctant in most of the topical issues surrounding elections. These include the new voters’ roll, new electoral laws, media reforms and the issues of violence. Without these, no one will force us into an election,” he said.
The secretary-general who is also MDC-T chief negotiator, said the country was likely to end up with a negotiated constitution in which they would push for the devolution of power and the acceptance of dual citizenship.
Turning to the issue of violence, Biti said rural communities were the worst victims of political violence and policing mechanisms should be adopted to stop election bloodbath.
“Zanu-PF has a record of political violence which even claims its own members. We want international observers who will work side by side with JOMIC six months before elections. Clear violence-policing mechanisms should be implemented too,” he added.
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Manicaland provincial MDC-T chairman Julius Magarangoma, who was once a senior member in the Zimbabwe National Army, said security forces should stop being partisan.
“We have stopped playing victim to the violent elements of Zanu-PF.
“Security forces should uphold their duty mandates and stop meddling in politics. I removed the uniform first before joining politics, therefore I challenge all those who want politics to do so in an honorary manner and stop fanning violence in rural areas,” he said.
Provincial women’s boss Keresenzia Chabuka said MPs should work to uplift the lives of rural women by implementing self-sustainable projects. MP for Makoni South Pishai Muchauraya also addressed the rally and called on Biti, the Finance minister to channel more financial resources to rural areas where poverty was biting.
