SCORES of NewsDay readers have expressed a desire for a grand coalition by the two MDCs in government, Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD), Zapu and Zanu Ndonga to fight Zanu PF in the forthcoming elections.
ASSIGNMENTS EDITOR
In comments posted on the papers various multi-media platforms following the publication of stories on plans for a grand coalition, the readers said the five parties who came together to fight President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party’s bid to “stampede” the nation into a July 31 election had already proved they were a force to reckon with.
The political parties that ganged up last week successfully petitioned the Southern African Development Community (Sadc)over Mugabe’s unilateral proclamation of the July 31 election date. NewsDay readers even suggested a line-up of the government that would be formed by the alliance after winning the polls. “Yes, let the leaders unite. The people are ready for that. The people will dance and celebrate that victory. Our country cannot continue under this shadow of the Zanu PF government which has destroyed the beauty and dignity of our country,” Chenjerai Hove wrote. Another reader said: “We want a new coalition of honest and sincere politicians, minus Zanu PF. This is a welcome development, especially at this very crucial stage of our nation which is under siege from the evil forces of corruption. The MDC-T hierarchy must appreciate that there are lots more positions for everyone to enjoy. Such a grand coalition will be a killer punch.”
Other readers said unity was what Zimbabweans wanted and if all these political parties came together for the election, then they have got Zimbabweans at heart.
They said what Zimbabwe required was an “election pact” not a coalition which would again turn the country into a one-party State if the coalition wins.
Meanwhile, the Welshman Ncube-led MDC in a statement yesterday said the meeting of leaders on political parties in Harare on Monday had nothing to do with the formation of a coalition.
Party spokesperson Nhlanhla Dube in a statement said: “It is a matter of public record that the MDC stated after its National Standing Committee last week and in very clear terms its attitude towards coalition. It has also publicly stated who among its leaders should be approached with regards to conversations for political cooperation of any nature.”
