The MDC condemns the reported statement by Obert Mpofu to a gathering of Zanu PF supporters in Binga to the effect that the people of Binga District would be denied development assistance because they have consistently voted for the MDC since the year 2000.
In a democracy, national leaders have a fundamental obligation to respect the electoral views of all Citizens – no matter how diverging. Not only has Mpofu violated this principle, but in doing so, he is also violating the spirit and the terms of the new National Constitution.
However, his remarks simply confirm what the MDC has said for many years, that Zanu PF deliberately restricts the provision of essential services, food aid, social support and infrastructure maintenance and development in those areas of the country that do not support their Party.
Matabeleland and Masvingo Provinces have suffered at the hands of Zanu PF since they came to power in 1980. Every town and city that has voted for the MDC since 2000 has been actively discriminated against in the distribution of national resources.
The people of Binga will not be swayed by his threats and the MDC will continue to serve the people of those Districts where they hold elected positions, no matter what their political affiliation. Zanu PF supporters in MDC Districts need never fear that they will be marginalized or their needs neglected by the MDC in any way. When an MDC leader is elected by a Ward or District they are instructed to serve all the people of their Districts and Wards without regard to their Party affiliation.
It is time that Zanu PF recognised the days of power based on patronage, threats and coercion are over in Zimbabwe. The people are going to judge leaders and parties by their fruits. National resources are for all Zimbabweans – not just the blinkered followers of Zanu PF, any national leader who deliberately withholds national resources and development from the people, for whatever reason, is violating the most fundamental principles of his or her office. In an MDC led Zimbabwe this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.
MDC: Equal Opportunities for All
Hon Eddie Cross
MDC Secretary for Local Government