MDC-T says no media reforms, no elections

MDC-T says it has set conditions for participating in elections slated for this year.

The party, led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, said media reforms were part of the conditions without which the party would boycott elections.

Speaking at an audit exercise of party structures in Masvingo Urban district at the Building Brigade in Mucheke Stadium on Saturday, MDC-T national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa, said key among the party's demands were media reforms.

"We have set minimum conditions for a free and fair poll. We cannot take part in elections before some issues are solved. First and foremost, there should be media reforms.

"For instance, take stock of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. It is always propping up Zanu-PF at our expense. Yet it should be a national broadcaster that gives all parties equal coverage," he said. Chamisa dared President Robert Mugabe for a live debate on ZTV with his leader Tsvangirai.

"President Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai should be given a chance to have a live debate on the national television, with each spelling out his party manifesto and what they want to do for the people, just like what is done in other countries.

"But I know Zanu-PF has nothing new to offer at present. What new things will they have if they failed to do so in the past 33 years?" Chamisa asked.

He also blasted the Zanu-PF - led community share ownership schemes, saying they were benefiting a few. "Our party came up with the community infrastructure support programme where investors have set guidelines to develop their communities so that many will benefit," Chamisa said.

His remarks on community share trusts came a day after Mugabe launched seven community share ownership schemes in Masvingo.