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Mujuru, Tsvangirai snub coalition talks

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MORGAN Tsvangirai’s opposition MDC-T and the Joice Mujuru-led Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) yesterday snubbed the signing of a coalition document, Coalition of Democrats (Code), binding opposition parties to work as a single entity in the 2018 elections.

MORGAN Tsvangirai’s opposition MDC-T and the Joice Mujuru-led Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) yesterday snubbed the signing of a coalition document, Coalition of Democrats (Code), binding opposition parties to work as a single entity in the 2018 elections. BY OBEY MANAYITI

ZPF Leader Joyce Mujuru & MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai
ZPF Leader Joyce Mujuru & MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Harare, MDC leader, Welshman Ncube claimed both Mujuru and Tsvangirai’s parties had been consulted, but indicated they were not yet ready to coalesce.

“Obviously we cannot be their spokespersons today or any other time. But in respect of Code processes, history will record that we engaged them at the highest possible levels of those parties,” he said.

“They have indicated unreadiness to walk with us for now. We have said to them the doors will remain open for engagement and on our part, as a collective, multilaterally and bilaterally, we have committed ourselves to continuously talk to all those who said they are opposed to the current government and we have said let us come together, whether they are MDC-T, People First or by whatever description they are called. We have said we want to include everyone.”

Ncube reiterated their past differences were now water under the bridge.

ZimPF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo said his party supported the idea of a coalition, but had not yet agreed on how it would be implemented.

MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said they were not invited to the signing ceremony, adding his party viewed the initiative as less important “because of its apparent elitist nature”.

PDP leader, Tendai Biti attended the event, but said they were also still waiting to complete their internal processes before signing.

Parties that endorsed the document include Democratic Assembly for Reform and Empowerment (Dare), Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD), MDC, Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) and Zimbabweans United for Democracy (Zunde).

Dare leader and current chairman of the group, Gilbert Dzikiti, said opposition parties had realised that they could only dislodge Zanu PF if they entered the race as a single entity.

The parties expressed hope that the coalition would work and that they would field one presidential candidate to run under the Code banner and challenge Zanu PF leader President Robert Mugabe in the polls.

The opposition leaders said they had also agreed on a framework to select the candidate.