OPPOSITION People’s Democratic Party leader Tendai Biti has
lashed out at President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying he lacked the political
charisma to match MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa in a free
and fair election.
Addressing an MDC Alliance campaign rally on Saturday near
Matsika business centre in Makoni West constituency, Biti said Mnangagwa was
likely to lose to his “grandchild” Chamisa in the upcoming harmonised elections
set for between July and August this year.
“I feel pity for Mnangagwa because he is contesting against
a candidate who is not his son, but grandchild. Mnangagwa is 76 and Chamisa is
40. Mnangagwa does not have the charisma and he is not going to stand in our
way,” he said.
“Zanu PF is showing its true colours. It is not interested
in electoral reforms just three months before we go to elections. There are
major structural issues that should be addressed,” he said.
“We are concerned about the independence of the Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission (Zec). It is a concern that 15% of staff at Zec are
members serving in the army while some are retired,” he said.
“We are concerned about the voters’ roll. Three months
before the elections, we are yet to see it. We don’t know the when the election
is going to be held. We cannot have an election when some people are playing
hide and seek.”
The rally was also addressed by former Zanu PF stalwart
Munacho Mutezo, who has defected to the opposition Zimbabwe People First party.
Mutezo urged the electorate to vote for Chamisa to be
President.
Former Zanu PF national youth service trainee, Tendai Gwesu
also pledged his support for Chamisa.
“I am the one who trained Kudzanai Chipanga at Border Gezi
National Youth Training camp then, and also participated in a lot of
atrocities, which happened in previous elections,” he saod.
“I, therefore, want to support the heroic efforts of the
people of Zimbabwe for offering an alternative voice outside Zanu PF. Gone is
the concept of one-centre of power. It is moribund and decayed.” Newsday
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