What you may have missed August 11-15

MDC to boycott heroes’ celebrations- Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change today said it will not participate in tomorrow’s national heroes’ celebrations in protest against the July 31 election which it claimed was “stolen” by President Robert Mugabe. “The nation is mourning and we have nothing to celebrate though we honour the fallen heroes,” party spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said. “However, we will do it in our own way.”

Mugabe dismisses rigging

President Robert today dismissed Movement for democratic Change allegations that he had rigged the elections which he won by a 61 percent vote. “Those who lost elections may commit suicide if they so wish. Even if they die, dogs will not eat their flesh,” Mugabe said at the Heroes Acre.

Mugabe to go ahead with indigenisation

President Robert Mugabe today said he saw his victory in the 31 July elections as a mandate for “total” application of policies forcing foreign-owned firms to sell majority stakes to local investors. “Now that the people of Zimbabwe have granted us a resounding mandate in the governance of the country, we will do everything in our power to ensure that our objective of total indigenisation, empowerment, development and employment is realised,” Mugabe said. “This is our final phase of implementing the ideals of the liberation struggle.”

MDC says no extra-ordinary congress

Former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change today said it had no plans to hold an extra-ordinary congress following its humiliating defeat in the 31 July elections. Its congress is due in 2016. “The issue of an extra-ordinary congress to consider leadership renewal was brought up at the National Council meeting held at the President (Tsvangirai)’s Highlands home but was immediately shot down by key members. It was roundly and vociferously shot down by the youth and the women’s assembly leaders. That idea will not survive. It is dying a natural death,” a national executive member said.

Tsvangirai says court challenge is a mere formality

Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai today told party supporters that the present court challenge in which his party is calling for the nullification of the 31 July elections results is a mere formality. “It doesn’t matter going to court. It doesn’t matter the outcome. We all know what the courts will say but Mugabe and ZANU-PF know they stole this election.”

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