MDC sets record straight on why it is not participating in the Motlanthe Commission of inquiry

6) The MDC founding Values

There is also an idea that is being peddled at the Commission that the MDC is some kind of a violent terrorist Party. Again, the MDC reiterates the point that when the Zanu-PF government wants to decimate the opposition with state sponsored violence, it peddles serious allegations.

Since the MDC was formed in 1999 its main objectives were and remain to promote and advance human rights, freedom and good governance in line with Party character as outlined in article 4 of constitution that –

– The MDC is a pro-poor, people-centred social democratic, non-racial and non-sexist movement.

– The MDC is against all forms of violence and does not believe in the use of violence as a way or means of attaining any political, social, economic or religious objective.

– The MDC considers democracy as a core value, to that extent, its policies are to be determined by its membership, and further, its leadership shall be accountable to the people.

– The MDC firmly believes in freedom of speech, freedom of expression and further, the free circulation of ideas and information within the movement.

Above all this the MDC believes in the smooth transfer of power through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means. That is why we have continued to participate in a series of blatantly manipulated elections as rightly reported by all credible observer missions. We have sought legal recourse when in fact it was illogical to do so. We have sought dialogue with our erstwhile oppressors. That has been the life and character of the MDC in the face of brutality of suppression.

Internally, any of our members who have been fingered in any activity that violates the core values of the MDC has been disciplined by the Party. There are numerous examples of such cases.

Pretending that the MDC is a prohibited organisation that harbours terroristic ambitions is absolute nonsense and must be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.

– The MDC is by far the biggest political party in Zimbabwe.

– The MDC control 28 out of 32 Urban Councils.

– The MDC has 88 parliamentarians in the National House of Assembly alone

– The MDC President received more than 2 million votes across the country and that is more than any other candidate for that matter.

– The MDC was in Government from 2009 to 2013.

– Despite winning elections that were stolen, the MDC has never resorted to any violent take over.

We have struggled to maintain a democratic party in very difficult circumstances but we continue to do so.

Continued next page

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