Spokespersons of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube, ZAPU and Zanu Ndonga said preparations for 2018 elections were already on course.
“Some people might think that we are down and out. No, we are still in and it’s game on. MDC has been growing from strength to strength since 2008. The 2.6 percent that Ncube got from a fraudulent election shows that we are a force to reckon with. The elections were hurried with too much rigging in favour of Zanu (PF),” said Kurauone Chihwayi, MDC-N spokesperson.
Zanu (PF)’s Robert Mugabe won the July 31 presidential election with 61 percent of the votes followed by MDC-T President, Morgan Tsvangirai with 33,94 percent while Ncube got 2,6 Dumiso Dabengwa of Zapu and Kisinoti Mukwazhe of the Zimbabwe Development Party withdrew from the race at the eleventh hour and shared the remaining percentage.
In the National Assembly, Zanu (PF) clinched 160 seats out of the 210 constituencies on offer with MDC-T managing 49 seats and one going to an independent candidate.
After factoring in 60 women’s quota seats, the final composition of the 270-member national assembly comes to 197 seats for Zanu (PF), 70 for MDC-T, two for MDC.
In the local authorities’ election, Zanu (PF) won 1,493 Wards against 442 for MDC-T while MDC managed 14 and Zapu 1.
Chihwayi said his party was not going to relax and on September 7, a standing committee to coordinate people-centred political programmes would be launched.
He said the coalition with Zapu was continuing as agreed.
“Our party is still open to any progressive alliances with likeminded parties,” he said.
Zapu spokesperson, Mjobisa Noko said despite being disgruntled by the outcome of the elections, his party had learnt a lesson.
“The elections have taught us a lot. We know our weaknesses and are working to fill in those gaps. Our people are determined to move forward,” he said.
Zanu Ndonga leader, Gondai Vutuza, told The Zimbabwean his party was not surprised by a Zanu (PF) victory.
“We are intensifying our party’s restructuring work throughout the country starting with Chipinge and Manicaland Province,” said Vutuza.
He said early next year, his party would hold a congress to select a new executive.
Vutuza said his party was pushing for an “All Parties Conference” to merge forces ahead of the 2018 elections.
“This is the time for any progressive forces to unite before it is too late and my party would drive for this move on the basis of our coalition with MDC-T and Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn,” he said.
Post published in: News