The firebrand former MDC legislator for St Marys’ told The Zimbabwean in an exclusive interview last week that the recent upholding of a Bulawayo High Court judgment by the Supreme Court that President Robert Mugabe should proclaim by-elections in three Matabeleland constituencies not later than August 30, 2012, was nothing to celebrate as the political field remained uneven.
“People and the media should not be over-excited by the Supreme Court ruling, as they risk losing focus on the need for full GPA reforms before any free and fair election is held. By-elections are not different from any other election and should be conducted after reforms prescribed by the GPA are fulfilled. Anything less would favour Mugabe and Zanu (PF) as the political terrain remained uneven,” said Sikhala.
“What if Mugabe asks for the coming harmonised elections to be brought forward and be conducted together with those in the three Matabeleland Constituencies, ostensibly in the interest of bringing to finality squabbles besetting the sick government of national unity?. Remember, Zanu (PF) has always wanted an early election before any meaningful reforms are implemented as demanded by the GPA,” he added.
Sikhala said MDC99 would not waste its resources by participating in sham elections. “The electorate realize there is need for an alternative people centered government which the current GNU allies have failed to provide.”
The Supreme Court recently dismissed President Robert Mugabe’s appeal contesting the holding of by elections in Nkayi South, Bulilima East and Lupane East Constituencies. The constituencies were left without representation in parliament following the expulsion of legislators Abedinico Bhebhe, Njabuliso Mguni and Norman Mpofu from the smaller MDC led by Welshman Ncube.
Sikhala also said his party would never pardon Zanu (PF) thugs who had perpetrated heinous crimes against the people since 1980.
He called on Zimbabweans to reject the recent agreement reached by the three parties in the GNU that the recently commissioned Human Rights Commission should not investigate political crimes committed prior to the formation of the inclusive government early 2009.
Post published in: News