As opposition MDC mulls over possible pull-out from presidential run-off, President Mugabe has said that ‘Only God’ can remove him from office. But given the measures ZanuPF, along with state militia and police is taking, even ‘hands of God’ and all international aid, agencies, world leaders and other countries can do little.
With presidential run-off scheduled on 27th June, Mugabe and his machinery is making all desperate attempts to break the back-bone of opposition MDC. Ever since March elections proved strength of MDC, which almost came close to ousting ZanuPF, MDC workers and supporters have been attacked, assaulted, violently abused and even killed. MDC leader Tsvangirai was wrongly arrested and released earlier this month. Next the general secretary, MDC‘s second in leadership, Tendai Biti, was arrested on June 12th and charged with serious subversion and vote-rigging and defamation charges. He has been refused bail by the court and may even have to face death sentence if charges are proved. According to MDC, nearly 70 supporters have been killed so far.
In the context of widespread violence and killings and attack on leaders it is natural that MDC is mulling all the options including pull-out from run-off. But if it does, people’s spirit will stand totally defeated and the faint hope of Robert Mugabe’s defeat will die too. Nearly 50% percent of Zimbabwean’s did after all show faith in MDC. MDC’s camp stands divided on the issue. Mugabe’s violent tactics may split MDC and even that will serve only Mugabe’s purpose. MDC leadership meets on Sunday to decide on the pull-out and future course of action. World over is watching and condemning Robert Mugabe and Amnesty international is appealing for peaceful run-off.
MDC’s defeat seems inevitable but splitting or pulling out after winning first round of election will certainly be a huge setback for Zimbabwe and rest of the world which is keenly watching the developments. MDC did almost win last round of election that too in spite of widespread rigging and in spite of all state machinery backing Mugabe. Violent tactics proves that Mugabe is scared and apprehensive about run-off. If he really had strong foothold in his land and his god with him he wouldn’t be so desperate and scared of opposition. Mugabe is exposed now and should be forced to face the run-off.
MDC must stand united. The world,Zimbabweans and even dead warriors of the land are with them. And they should have no fear of losing either; even if they lose the run-off they’ll gain much more international support, important for their next attempt to oust Robert Mugabe.
Source: RawStory
Comments
It is impossible for MDC to oust Mugabe. That dictator is uncontrollable. Even if the June 27 schedule does push through, it will just be a travesty of a futile exercise to stretch all means possible for a purported democracy.
Of course, UN steps in when violence breaks out.
Now that MDC has pulled out what next can it do to stop Mugabe? How can UN or another country step in?
The battle has to be fought with strength from within...