The opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has distanced itself from treasonous comments made by its Vice Chairman Job Sikhala at a rally in Bikita on Saturday.
In a statement, the opposition movement said Sikhala was acting in his own capacity, despite him presiding over the party’s rally.
The MDC said it remains a constitutional and non-violent party.
Earlier in the day, the government had sent a strong warning saying it will take action against Sikhala.
Below is the statement from the MDC:
MDC believes in non-violence, legality and constitutionalism
The MDC notes with deep worry and concern that Hon. Job Sikhala’s statements made during a rally in Bikita East over the weekend have caused uproar and the party wishes to clarify its position regarding the same.
It is the party’s view that Hon. Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.
For the record, the MDC believes in Constitutional, peaceful, democratic, non-violent and legal means of resolving the national crisis. We have never been perpetrators of illegality and non-violence. If anything, we have always been the victims.
The MDC is deeply worried about the escalating national crisis and to this end; the party will on Thursday this week launch the Roadmap to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness and Democracy (RELOAD) which is our blueprint to legitimacy and economic recovery in the country.
RELOAD does not in any way entail illegal and unconstitutional means of solving the national crisis.
Once again, the MDC wishes to state unequivocally that it has always submitted itself to the cardinal values of legality, constitutionalism and democracy. Any attempt to portray the MDC in any other way is disingenuous and unfortunate.
MDC: (1999 – 2019) Celebrating 20 Years of Tenacity and Courage
Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change
