Terrence Mawawa, Gutu | President Robert Mugabe’s perennial political arch rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, has firmly warned of a possible election boycott if reforms are not implemented before the crucial 2018 polls.
The MDC leader, who has been criticised by many political analysts as a political liability, called the shots at the weekend as he addressed party supporters at Man’a Business Centre,ward 27 Gutu South Constituency.The event was organised to celebrate Councillor Jefrey Tangemhare’s victory in the 2013 polls.
Although local political analysts dismissed Tsvangirai’s remarks as cheap and typical political rhetoric,the opposition leader said the MDC will make sure all the necessary reforms are put in place ahead of the plebiscite. Tsvangirai did not mention how the party will stop Zanu PF from manipulating the electoral process.
“We will make sure that all the necessary reforms are implemented before the elections and we will not participate in a flawed electoral process. This time we will not take part in the elections if there are no reforms.We are tired of electoral theft and rigging. Many people have been pressing us on the issue of elections. The MDC position is very clear,there must be genuine reforms first before elections. We will make sure that has been put in place,”said Tsvangirai.
He said the MDC was not desperate for a coalition but the party would embrace all democratic forces to fight the Mugabe regime.
“A lot has been said about the coalition of opposition parties and let me reiterate the fact that the MDC is not desperate for any form of union. Rather we are willing to work with pro-democracy groups so that we can fight Mugabe,” he said.
Although some political observers view the former premier as a tired war horse, the crowd that attended the rally on Saturday could be a testimony the veteran opposition leader still has a considerable degree of influence in the political sphere in the country.