Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa has claimed that he has covered all loopholes used by Zanu PF to rig elections in the past as the contest for August 23 elections reaches fever pitch.
Addressing about 8 000 people who thronged his rally at
Dulibadzimu Stadium yesterday, Chamisa said stealing of elections and power
would be a thing of the past.
He said Zanu PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s history of
grabbing power was working against him because the late former President Robert
Mugabe had died a bitter man.
Mnangagwa, who was Mugabe’s longtime aide, toppled his
mentor in a coup in 2017.
In 2018, Mugabe endorsed Chamisa ahead of Mnangagwa.
“When ED grabbed power from Mugabe, he was given two years
to finish Mugabe’s term but nothing worked.
I warned my brother (Mnangagwa) on the repercussions of grabbing power.
I told him what you have done, you have committed a crime in heaven and on
earth. He grabbed another five years from me in 2018,” Chamisa said.
“This time we know he is thinking of employing dirty
tactics but all corners are covered because we know what he uses to steal
elections. We want to see when election results are being announced, the gap
must be huge.”
Chamisa said his government would target a US$100
billion-dollar economy.
He attacked the government for beating its chest for
implementing development projects that are not benefiting people.
“If they build a road, they come back to you and boast, yet
it’s their duty. They even inflate the (cost). Look at Zimborders which has
plunged people into suffering.
“People living in Beitbridge depend on cross-border trade
but they have been impoverished by high charges when using the upgraded border
so who does it help?” he said.
Beitbridge border was upgraded at US$300 million but to
recoup money borrowed from banks in South Africa, the company levies charges of
US$27, US$80 and US$200 for private cars, buses and heavy trucks.
This has resulted in traffic sidestepping Beitbridge for
other routes while locals no longer drive to South Africa.
“So what development is that? My government will exempt
locals or seek reversal of the deals which make people suffer,” he said.
He asked the crowd to vote for him come August 23 saying
most people in the country including civil servants, the security sector were
eager for change.
“Everywhere people are suffering. I am coming from Plumtree
and everyone says they are tired of corruption which has led to immense
suffering. We are going to change education, health, social security and many
things that affect people.
“We will introduce free education at primary and tertiary
levels. It's happening in Zambia and other countries and it’s possible. I also
want to correct the lie being peddled that I will give back farms to whites. I
said I will give people title deeds. People are like squatters on resettled
land, they have no claim or right to it,” he added.
He mocked Zanu PF for bussing supporters from the length
and breadth of the country to its rallies.
“Everyone here came on their own, we have no chicken to
give you but you are driven by a need for change and a desire for dignity we
will restore. We must vote in numbers to send Mnangagwa off,” Chamisa said.
He introduced his party’s candidates for the National
Assembly in Beitbridge West and East, Morgan Ncube and Renatho Manavhela
alongside local government candidates.
Chamisa said his government would not allow raw mineral exports.
“We will have a US$100 billion economy. We will have a
country of milk and honey. No one will carry our raw materials out. We will
have those lithium factories, build towns and new cities around resources we
have for processing,” he said.
“We will restore citizens' rights and that means anyone
will have the right to demonstrate. How can anyone be stopped from expressing
themselves.”
Chamisa also said his party would have a lean government
with a maximum of 15 ministers. His rally was delayed by PA system technical
challenges. Newsday
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