Snodia Nyawema of Marondera said the election outcome did not reflect the will of the people. She said people had no option but to protest the result. “Life under the failed Zanu (PF) government is like a death sentence. People should mobilise themselves and do the right thing. Approaching Zimbabwean Courts for recourse is not an option,” said Snodia.
Leading the calls for mass protests are junior and middle level members of the security sector such as the police and army. They said Tsvangirai should avoid following fruitless avenues for recourse.
“We are prepared to take massive action against the election fraudsters,” said a Harare-based police officer who chose not to be identified. He said disgruntled police and army officers were trained for any eventuality and they needed direction from Tsvangirai.
Soldiers who spoke to The Zimbabwean could only express their shock at the stolen election.
“Our future has been thrown into turbulent waters. We hope this time around remedial action will come from civilian members of the community,” said one.
MDC-T Mashonaland East Provincial Organiser, Brighton Takawadini, said the shocking election result left people with no choice but to wait for instruction from Tsvangirai. “Legal and diplomatic avenues should be exhausted first,” he said.
Other MDC-T officials acknowledged that although Zanu (PF) stole the election, the MDC-T contributed towards its own downfall. They said in provinces such as Mashonaland East division had fractured MDC-T structures, leading to frustration. The imposition of candidates also played a major role in the incapacitation of MDC-T.
Political analyst, Pedzisai Ruhanya, said: “There is a need for the MDC to scrutinise itself and redeploy its leadership according to capabilities. They cannot afford to fight Zanu (PF) indefinitely.”
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