The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change today said Zimbabwe is not a monarchy so President Robert Mugabe has no God-given or sacred role to appoint a successor.
“Zimbabwe is not Robert Mugabe and Robert Mugabe is not Zimbabwe,” party spokesman Obert Gutu said in a statement.
The MDC-T was reacting to a statement by First Lady Grace Mugabe that her husband must now appoint his successor.
Mugabe has insisted he is not grooming any successor as the leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front must be elected by the people.
Grace’s sentiments have been construed as a way of paving the way for herself to become the next president but ZANU-PF insiders say she is not presidential material and is simply hanging onto the coattails of her husband.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign republic and not a monarchy,” the MDC-T said.
“Recent remarks by Grace Mugabe to the effect that President Robert Mugabe should appoint or nominate his successor seem to suggest that a Mugabe dynasty must be created.
“Whilst the MDC is not concerned about the internal squabbling and vicious factional fights within the crumbling ZANU-PF regime, we have got every reason to get worried and seriously concerned when attempts are being openly made to create a Mugabe dynasty.”
The MDC-T said instead Zimbabwe should prepare for free and fair elections so that the people can elect a leader of their own choice.
“As we approach the 2018 harmonised elections, the MDC would like to emphasize the need for the holding of free and fair elections to enable the people of Zimbabwe to choose a government that is legitimate and democratic,” he party said.
“We will not tolerate the notion that Robert Mugabe, somehow, has a God-given and sacred role to appoint whoever is going to be the next President of Zimbabwe. Indeed, Zimbabwe is not Robert Mugabe and Robert Mugabe is not Zimbabwe.”
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