ZAPU is willing to enter into an election coalition but this will be on its terms and conditions, a senior party official has said. Addressing a poorly attended rally at Chinotimba Community Hall in Victoria Falls on Saturday, Zapu vice-president, Ms Emilia Mukaratirwa said her party was open to negotiations over a possible united front with other political parties ahead of the harmonised elections expected later this year.
"This is one of the questions being asked by our party members. They want to know if we can unite with other political parties and contest the elections. Yes, we have considered a united front project and it is not a bad idea. As Zapu we are on record saying that all those (political parties) who want to come and work with us, they should come forth," she said.
Ms Mukaratirwa, however, said any coalition would be on Zapu terms and conditions.
“So we are saying for as long as they want a united front, Zapu's name will not be done away with because we don't want to lose identity. We have our own beliefs and values which we abide by. For example as Zapu we are on record advocating for the issue of devolution of power and if we do not share that vision, sorry we can't make a compromise," she said.
Ms Mukaratirwa said her party welcomed the draft constitution.
"The draft constitution is what we call a better 'devil' since it is better than the Lancaster House constitution. Although a lot of the people's contributions were thrown aside we are happy that finally it is there and we are moving towards the elections," she said.
As the elections draw close, Ms Mukaratirwa urged youths from her party to be wary of politicians whom she accused of using them for their own personal gains.
She said, "Youths don't be used by politicians for their own personal gains. Don't be given money to buy Zed or spirits and drugs so that you go about beating up people. Zapu youths are disciplined. Unfortunately that discipline is mistaken for dullness. If intimidated please go and report to the police instead of retaliating."
Ms Mukaratirwa said politicians should lead by example by desisting from preaching hate speech.
“Leaders you have a problem. You preach hate speech and that is wrong. From your slogans to your songs, some say ‘pasi nanhingi, mudenga, pasi, pwaa’. What is that? It is wrong. As Zapu we recognise human rights and therefore we don't want hate speech. We are one people as Zimbabweans and the spirit of ubuntu should always prevail. We must tolerate one another for the benefit of our country. That is what we wish for as Zapu," she said.
Ms Mukaratirwa also urged the electorate to take time to reflect on any positives and negatives of the incumbent office bearers before voting back into office failures.
Also in attendance was Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Mr John Dlamini among other Zapu leaders from the province.Victoria Falls Reporter This story first appeared on the Bulawayo Chronicle
No comments:
Post a Comment