The Secretary General of the Movement for Democratic Change said media and security sector reforms will be done in the next three months ahead of elections.
Addressing workers at the May Day celebrations at Gwanzura stadium in Harare today, held under the theme “Workers under siege, organize, unite and fight on”, Biti said his party will ensure that all the institutions with people whose conduct compromises the credibility of free and fair elections “face the chop.”
Security sector reform has been a constant bone of contention between Zanu (PF) and the two MDCs and senior leaders in all forces are on record declaring their open support for Zanu (PF) while vowing to resist an MDC takeover of power.
Police Commissioner, Augustine Chihuri was recently quoted by a local daily saying that security sector reform “is a non issue that sought to create confusion.”
“In the next three months, we are going to make sure that all the critical reforms: media and security sector are implemented,” said the MDC- T Secretary General.
Biti said: “Zimbabwe Electoral Commission staff, media and the security sectors, we are going to put individuals who listen and respect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
“We cannot afford to leave these institutions the way they are because our pen is our bullet.”
Biti urged workers to go in their numbers and register to vote to ensure that they “elect leaders with the people at heart.”
Zapu Vice President, Emilia Mukaratirwa urged workers to elect leaders who listen to their concerns and urged them to be wary of vote buyers who manipulate the electorate towards election time.
“A leader is a worker for the people. Let us not be cheated by leaders who are only available with gifts towards elections time,” said Mukaratirwa.
She said poverty among workers “knows no political boundaries and workers should unite and select a leadership who valued workers’ rights.”
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union President, George Nkiwane confirmed that there is no end in sight for the plight of workers because government was pre occupied with getting finances for the general plebiscite.
“This is a dead year for us as workers. Politicians are busy concentrating on the forthcoming elections and our circumstances have not changed since last year,” he said, adding that:
“It is time we confront power with the truth. Elect servants of the people and not leaders.”
Nkiwane took a swipe at civil servants who have turned themselves into politicians and said the trade union supports the implementation of reforms, before the country holds elections.
“Government institutions serve the [people and not political parties. We support the stance that advocates for reforms as a precondition for free and fair polls.”
The event was attended by workers, civic society organisations and the MDC- T leadership such as the party’s Vice President, Thokozani Khupe. However, Zanu (PF) snubbed the event which ended up sounding like an MDC- T campaign rally.
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6 OLD man cannot ditate about security reforms.
SADC has a standby force ready to intervene for anyone who wants to maintain the status quo and 6 OLD diehards will find themselves locked up if they are lucky or, DEAD !