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Yes to elections, No to violence - President Tsvangirai
Movement for Democratic Change
November 15, 2010

President Morgan Tsvangirai over the weekend held five consultative meetings in Bulawayo that were attended by thousands of MDC supporters. During the meetings which were held from Friday to Sunday, the President said the MDC was ready for elections expected next year but said the Party would not participate in an election that was characterized by violence.

The national consultative meetings, which were launched in Harare; are meant to brief Zimbabweans on the performance of the inclusive government, the flagrant disregard of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) by Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF, the Constitution - making process and elections. President Tsvangirai said as a people's Party, the MDC would always consult, update and give feedback to the people. "We are saying yes to elections but there are conditions that need to be met first which are; reassurance of no violence, an updated voters' roll, the right to documentation and having peace - keeping monitors who must be in the country six months before and six months after elections," said the president.

He explained that the voters' roll had to be thoroughly updated and that the elections could only take place after the new Constitution is in place. "Zanu PF showed its true colors during Copac outreach meetings when it launched Operation Chimumumu and other intimidation tactics making the process flawed and we condemn this. This Constitution is a transitional one, we will write the people's Constitution when we are in power, but this has always been the MDC's agenda since 1999 and we are pushing for that" added President Tsvangirai.

He urged the youths to register to vote and become part of the team that would deliver real change to Zimbabwe. Turning to the issue of governors, President Tsvangirai said the country does not have governors as those re- appointed by Mugabe were unilaterally appointed thus illegal. "Let us not forget that this is a transition process there is more and better to come, this is only a temporary solution. By forming the inclusive government, the MDC has added value and enhanced the progress that we are experiencing. But Mugabe is disrespecting the coalition because he wants the country to slide back to 2008 era.

"As the MDC we have said we will not tolerate Zanu PF activists to stand as governors, judges or ambassadors" Hon Tsvangirai said. President Tsvangirai was accompanied by Vice President Thokozani Khupe, Youth Assembly chairperson, Hon. Thamsanqa Mahlangu, national deputy spokesperson, Hon. Thabitha Khumalo, National Executive Committee members, Hon Seiso Moyo and Norman Mabhena., Minister of State Enterprises and Parastatals, Hon. Gorden Moyo and the MDC provincial leadership.

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