ONE of Zimbabwe’s most adorned ex-combatants, army officer and long-serving diplomat, Agrippah Mutambara who crossed the floor to join Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) led by former Vice-President Joice Mujuru today vowed that Zanu PF won’t win another election.
By Samuel Takawira/Lovejoy Mutongwiza
Ambassador Mutambara said this at a roundtable discussion held to delineate the topic New Political outfits- new perspectives or political ego.
“I sincerely believe that Zanu PF will not win another election and I think they know that the tables have turned,” he said adding that the ruling party will always resort to well-known violent tactics which they have always used in the past.
“Zanu PF is known for using violence through forcing young people to descend on non-Zanu PF supporters.
“If they have support why is it that even when they have a provincial rally, they use buses across the country to shuttle people. This is a clear sign that they have lost support,” said ex-combatant, Mutambara.
He added that Zanu PF’s abuse of state resources needs to be stopped.
“Zanu PF is abusing state resources and this has to stop,” he said adding that to own a farm the main consideration is to be a recognised Zanu Pf supporter.
Speaking at the same event, Jacob Mafume, who is the People’s Democratic Party spokesperson, underscored the need to have a grand coalition if Zanu PF is to be defeated in the 2018 elections. He urged all political parties to unite for the good of the nation.
“Zimbabwe has a shortage of multiples. We need to find strategic areas where we can coalesce.
“We need a coalition which will unseat Mugabe and his Zanu PF. We are tired of their violent antics and lack of direction.”
Mafume also said the current electoral system makes it difficult to hold free and fair elections. He challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to reform saying failure to do so will result in a farce election.
His sentiments were echoed by the MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu who said ZEC is militarized and privatized hence without reforms, the election playing field remains uneven.
However, Gutu said his party will make consultations first before thinking of any possible (union) coalition.
He urged the media and the general public to be patient for their decision and in the event that they have finalized their position on coalition, only Morgan Tsvangirai has the prerogative to make the announcement.
