Tsvangirai castigates MDC candidates standing as independents

Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday castigated MDC candidates who lost in the primary elections but were now contesting as independent candidates.

He said the candidates were fanning unnecessary confusion in the party because they were using MDC logos and symbols.

“There is no need to fight over positions. There will always be one winner at all costs at any given time, but ultimately, we are all winners and it is unacceptable to stand as an independent and use MDC symbols,” he said in his home area Buhera West.

“When we go to vote, let us do so in peace. Are the perpetrators of violence not ashamed of their actions? Should we fight as family members? We have to rise to the higher level and respect each other despite our political differences.”

Jaison Matewu is now contesting for the MDC in Buhera West. It was previously represented by Eric Matinenga who decided not to stand because he was totally disgusted with the corruption from both his party and the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front.

“When I made a decision to run for political office in 2008 I already had a plan for what I was going to do. I was going to serve only one term as MP and go back to being an advocate. The corruption and hunger for power I have seen on both sides of government (ZANU-PF and the MDC) has not made me want to go back on my original principle to serve one term. People go into politics to make money. It is not about public service. I was naïve,” he was reported to have told fellow Zimbabwean Blessing-Miles Tendi.

Tsvangirai will be in Mashonaland East province today and is expected to address rallies at Mutoko Centre and Murewa Centre.

In their own words:

MDC government won’t tolerate corruption – President Tsvangirai

Monday 22 July 2013

Buhera – President Tsvangirai today reiterated that the next MDC government will not tolerate any form of corruption at any level and will not hesitate to dismiss those caught in the scams.

He made the call while addressing thousands of party supporters in Buhera West in Manicaland, which is his home area.

“The next MDC government will not tolerate any form of corruption and anyone caught on the wrong side of the law will be dismissed and prosecuted,” he said.

Turning to the operations of the next government, President Tsvangirai said there is no single individual who can develop the nation but a proper government that has proper governance systems.

“Do not allow yourselves to fight over issues like that of candidatures. You elected your own representative, stand by that person. Everyone has a role in a new Zimbabwe. Our governance structure is such that it allows for everyone to be an economic player. The next election is about winning governance and not just individual candidates” said President Tsvangirai.

The MDC parliamentary candidate for Buhera West is Jaison Matewu.

President Tsvangirai castigated MDC candidates who lost in the primaries and are campaigning as independents but using MDC logos and symbols for fanning unnecessary confusion in the party.

Earlier in the day, President Tsvangirai addressed a rally in Rusape, Makoni Central where he again called for unity of purpose among democratic forces.

Tomorrow, President Tsvangirai will be in Mashonaland East province, where he is expected thousands of party supporters at Mutoko Centre, Murewa Centre, before continuing on Wednesday in Zaire, Wedza and Mahusekwa.

Judging by the huge attendance that has characterised the MDC rallies, it is clear that the MDC is poised for an emphatic win come 31 July. It is an indication that Zimbabwe is ready for real change and transformation.

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Charles Rukuni

The Insider is a political and business bulletin about Zimbabwe, edited by Charles Rukuni. Founded in 1990, it was a printed 12-page subscription only newsletter until 2003 when Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation made it impossible to continue printing.