Movement for Democratic Change has dismissed remarks by chiefs from Mashonaland East province that they will not allow someone who was a toddler during the liberation struggle to be President of Zimbabwe saying they back off political fights and respect the constitution.
Speaking during a recent Zanu PF meeting in Mashonaland East, Chief Musarurwa said they will not allow anyone who did not fight in the war of liberation to rule Zimbabwe. Said Chief Musarurwa
In an interview with 263Chat, MDC-T Presidential Spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka urged chiefs not to involve themselves in national politics or campaign for anyone saying it is against the dictates of the constitution.
“That is fundamentally wrong, chiefs should not be involved into these this or campaign for anyone, that is the constitution says,” said Tamborinyoka.
Tamborinyoka added that Zimbabweans have a problem of not following the requirements of the constitution, giving an example of military personnel who reportedly constitute 15 percent of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission board.
“We have a problem in this country, people do not follow the constitution, on the ZEC issue, soldiers should stay in the barracks that is their place not where they are now,” he said.
Tressure Bassopo, a Zimbabwe University student leader also condemned chiefs’ remarks which he said do not have a place in an electoral democracy.
“Well, those utterances by chiefs are highly predictable they have no space in an electoral democracy where constitutional ism and the rule of law are the guiding doctrines to the full blooming of our young democracy. Those utterances leaves everything to be desired on war verterans who attempt and are threatening to diminish, dismiss and depreciate the sacrosanctness of the people`s voice which the president ED Mnangagwa referred to as the voice of God.
“Gerontological and ageism have no space in conducive environment for democracy, its for the people to decide and make their choice, as per their desires, any attempt to liquidate the people`s choice and desire is treasonous, its also a gross act of insubordination and irresponsibility of the highest order by anyone( the chief who said so) who uttered those word of intolerance and intimidation to electoral outcome,” said Bassopo.
“The chief who said that is debilitating negative energy on the efforts by the president and cabinet to fight for a free and fair election and subsequently is scaring away investors, that should be rebuked,” added Bassopo.
Chief Musarurwa’s remarks were targeted at MDC-T Acting President, Nelson Chamisa who was recently endorsed to take over the reigns of the labor backed movement following the death of Morgan Tsvangirai.
Chamisa is likely to represent the MDC-Alliance and will battle it out against the Zanu PF candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2018 Presidential election.
