Simba Makoni's position on elections clarified

Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD) said it totally rejects a misleading headline imposed by an online publication, The Zimbabwe Mail on an interview granted to The Herald by Party Interim President, Dr. Simba Makoni.

MKD alleges that on Monday, 19 March 2012, The Zimbabwe Mail reproduced an interview between Dr. Makoni and The Herald Senior Reporter, Fortouis Nhambura. For reasons known to the online publication, the Zimbabwe Mail altered the headline to read, 'If Parties Boycott Elections, I'll Face Mugabe â€" Makoni.'

"In our view, this is a deliberate attempt and an unfair practice by The Zimbabwe Mail, meant to tarnish the image of MKD. There is nowhere in the interview where Dr. Makoni made such remarks as insinuated by the mischievous headline. We will not be distracted in our tireless efforts to find a lasting solution to the problems bedeviling the people of Zimbabwe," said a statement from MKD.

"The position of MKD on elections is very clearly stated, that we will not dignify an incredible election. MKD will only participate in elections held under conditions that guarantee free and fair outcomes. If President Mugabe forces an election, he will have a repeat of 2008, which will be a non event," conluded the statement.