The Tsvangirai led Movement for Democratic Change, (MDC-T) says the Friday demonstration signals the end of Zanu PF’s 36 year old rule.
The march which is being organised National Electoral Reforms Agenda, (NERA) will see 18 opposition parties joining forces in a bid to force the Zanu PF led government to review the current electoral system which the opposition parties say is flawed.
In a statement, the party spokesperson, Obert Gutu said that it is high time citizens work together to defeat Zanu PF.
“Now is the time for all of us to draw a line in the sand and declare that never again should Zimbabwe hold elections that are marred by violence, intimidation and all the other forms of vote rigging that have become the hallmark of our political and electoral environment.
“We call upon the Zanu PF regime to appreciate that Zimbabwe is for all of us; regardless of race, colour or creed. As such, the deterioration and virtual collapse of the formal national economy adversely affects all the people of Zimbabwe, across the political divide. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should be adequately capacitated by way of both financial and material resources; way before the holding of the next general elections,” reads part of the statement.
Zanu PF has for the past 36 years resounding won elections, with the MDC winning t in 2008 but however failed to produce a 50% majority required to take over the country.
However the opposition including MDC-T contends that the ruling part controls the country’s election governing body, ZEC.
“In the same breath, the Zanu PF regime should immediately desist from improperly interfering with the operations of ZEC. ZEC, as provided for by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, should be completely independent and should not bow down to the whims and fantasies of any politician, be it from the ruling party or from the opposition.
“As Election 2018 fast approaches, it is critical for the Parliament of Zimbabwe to play a leading role in setting out a well –defined and precise roadmap to the next election. Zimbabwe cannot afford the luxury of holding another contested election in 2018,” he added.
Gutu went on to say that the party is in full support of the planned ‘mega demonstration’ which he says will be a major blow to the failed and clueless government of President Mugabe.
“The MDC would like to express its deep satisfaction with the progress that eighteen (18) political parties under the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA), have so far made in jointly pushing for the adoption of electoral reforms Indeed, without the adoption of electoral reforms as more fully disclosed in the NERA trajectory, it will not be possible for Zimbabwe to hold free and fair elections in 2018,” said Gutu.
He further said, “This is the time for all concerned stakeholders to put heads together and fight for the creation of an environment that is conducive to the holding of elections that will easily pass the test of legitimacy.”
