Poll reform deal start of coalition, MDC-T

MDC-T Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora

Opposition groups recently signed the so-called National Electoral Reforms Agenda (NERA) agreement to push for changes that would make future electoral contests fairer.

Speaking to journalists in Harare Monday, Mwonzora said the MDC-T is working with 15 other political parties which include the proposed People First party to push for reforms in the country’s electoral system.

“We are working with 15 political parties with whom we have signed an election reform programme,” he said.

“Whether there will be a coalition with the political parties and their principals or not … the issue is the signing of the pact means the beginning of a coalition and more of this is to come in future as we lead to 2018 national elections.”

Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC-T led other opposition figures early this month in signing the NERA document committing to fight for electoral reforms ahead of the 2018 vote.

The event was however, boycotted by a number of other political parties, indicating the lack of unity in the opposition ranks despite broad agreement on the need for electoral reforms.

MDC-T spokesman Obert Gutu said nine political parties signed the document which has been dubbed National Electoral Reforms Agenda (NERA).

Parties that signed the document include the MDC-led by Welshman Ncube, Zanu-Ndonga, Transform Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe United for Democracy, African Democratic Party, African Democratic Party and Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe.

Several other parties however ignored the event and these include the National Constitutional Assembly, People’s Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti, Dumiso Dabengwa’s ZAPU and another outfit led by former energy minister Elton Mangoma.