The harsh reality is that ZANU PF has unleashed its tried and tested violence machinery, controlled by senior members of the country’s armed forces. Since Tsvangirai launched his party’s manifesto in Marondera last week, the MDC-T has been on the receiving end of pre-election disturbances.
On Thursday, despite assurances by the police that they will not tolerate any violence, it was the same police who blocked Tsvangirai from conducting walkabouts in Zvimba, Mugabe’s home district and Chinhoyi, the capital of Mashonaland West province.
Herbert Paradzai Munangatire, the MDC-T parliamentary candidate for Zvimba West, told SW Radio Africa that despite giving notice to the police about Tsvangirai’s visit on Thursday, they were shocked to be informed at the last minute that the event had been cancelled.
‘This is the reason why we wanted reforms and to align certain old laws to the new constitution to prevent such things. Generally if you block your opponent from addressing meetings or rallies, it sends out a clear message that you are afraid, nothing else,’ Munangatire said.
Despite the setback, Munangatire said he was encouraged by messages of hope coming from the MDC-T family in Zvimba, not to relent in their pursuit to boot Mugabe and ZANU PF out, in the elections that are now less than three weeks away.
Elsewhere, there have been many reports of campaign posters for MDC-T candidates being ripped apart or defaced countrywide. There has also been a rise in violence in some areas, with soldiers assaulting three MDC-T supporters in Mutasa South in Manicaland province.
As election day approaches the regional, continental and international community will be watching with concern. Zimbabwe is an important regional partner whose continued instability would have serious security and economic implications for its neighbours. – SW Radio Africa News
Post published in: News
Ndiani achirikuda Mugabe&zanupf??