The Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai is more interested in creating a conducive electoral environment that will bring about a free and fair election than in political coalitions merely to topple President Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front.
It is for this reason that it has joined forces with 17 other political parties to form the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) whose aim is to fight for electoral reforms, party spokesman Obert Gutu said in a statement.
Tsvangirai and his party has been under attack for boycotting a meeting by other opposition parties held in South Africa recently to form a coalition to contest ZANU-PF in 2018.
Mavambo Kusile Dawn leader Simba Makoni, who blamed Zimbabwe’s weak and divided opposition for worsening the economic crisis in the country, said the coalition should be set up before the end of this month.
Tsvangirai rubbished the meeting in South Africa saying Zimbabweans did not need outsiders to organise them.
The proposed coalition has no leader yet. Tsvangirai and Zimbabwe People First leader, Joice Mujuru, have been accused of arrogance because they think their parties are too big to join the smaller parties.
In response Gutu said: “The MDC doesn’t find any value and/or wisdom in exchanging crude and rude personal attacks with other opposition political parties as we continue to force the ZANU-PF dictatorship to give in to our rightful and constitutional demand for electoral reforms.
“In the same breath, President Morgan Tsvangirai will continue to discuss and exchange notes with similar–minded opposition political leaders as we seek to establish common ground before a formal electoral coalition pact can be publicly announced.
“This is work in progress and we would like to re–assure all the concerned people of Zimbabwe that we will not let them down. The people’s struggle is also our struggle. We shall always remain on the side of the people as the democratic fight against the bankrupt, corrupt and faction – ridden ZANU- PF regime enters the homestretch.”
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