News / National
'No reverse on election date,' says Mugabe
16 Jul 2013 at 06:16hrs | Views
The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe says there will not be a reversal of the July 31 election date as proclaimed despite attempts by some parties to seek intervention from outside to extend the date.
Mugabe, who was addressing tens of thousands of supporters at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera on Monday, said attempts to overturn the Constitutional Court ruling for elections to be held in two weeks time will not work as regional groups have no jurisdiction over the country's courts.
He explained to the gathering that MDC leader, Professor Welshman Ncube has approached the African Union (AU) with an appeal to have the continental body intervene and have elections further postponed.
"They have taken the issue to the AU after failing to convince the SADC. So we are saying Minister Patrick Chinamasa get ready to face the AU on the 19th of this month because we cannot have the elections postponed, considering where we are right now. It will never happen, that is when they shall see us. The selfish and dishonest British are supporting that, but we are saying democracy requires us to have elections every five years and Zimbabwe is now due for another election which must be held on the 31st of this month without fail," said Mugabe.
Regional body, SADC has already said the matter is internal.
Last month, the AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dhlamini Zuma, who was speaking at a press conference in Geneva, said for years, the west has been lecturing Zimbabwe on the rule law and respect for the judiciary but added that the same sections now want the same country to disregard a court ruling which compelled the president to hold elections not later than July 31.
President Mugabe took a swipe at those who seek to meddle in the country's internal processes in view of recent statements that the British government is seeking ways of involving itself in the country's electoral processes.
"We will not forget 1980. The British, you might talk and talk but your nonsensical talk about effecting transition in Zimbabwe will never happen. There will never be that nonsensical British transition, keep it to yourselves and leave us alone because we are independent," Mugabe said.
He had no kind words for MDC-T councillors, who are repossessing houses of residents in Marondera town for defaulting despite earlier on promising the residents that they would inherit the debt once voted into office.
President Mugabe said no repossessions should be allowed to be effected and called on the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Dr Ignatius Chombo to make sure that all residents' properties are safe from such repossessions.
He also told the people of Mashonaland East that his visit to Marondera was a reminder to the people to continue to respect and safeguard the freedom and independence of the country by voting for his party which brought independence.
The President appealed to the country's youths to safeguard and perpetuate the legacy of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chimurengas, adding that the freedom the country is enjoying should now be used to attain economic emancipation.
"To the youths, your sun is still rising while our sun is setting so take our advice. We don't want a situation where whites return and take back farms and all other means of production. If that happens we will rise against you, and even Mbuya Nehanda will rise against you," he aaded.
Speaking at the same rally, the First Lady, Grace Mugabe implored Zimbabweans to vote for President Mugabe, whom he described as an upright and consistent leader.
Amai Mugabe said Zanu-PF's policies have seen women being empowered and receiving a lot of respect and recognition in many aspects of life.
She said Mugabe's rival, the MDC-T leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has shown disrespect for women, adding that his acts in that regard do not provide good lessons for the youths.
At the same occasion, Grace Mugabe donated 10 tonnes of mealie meal, 10 tonnes of sugar beans, 560 cases of cooking oil and salt.
Mugabe, who was addressing tens of thousands of supporters at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera on Monday, said attempts to overturn the Constitutional Court ruling for elections to be held in two weeks time will not work as regional groups have no jurisdiction over the country's courts.
He explained to the gathering that MDC leader, Professor Welshman Ncube has approached the African Union (AU) with an appeal to have the continental body intervene and have elections further postponed.
"They have taken the issue to the AU after failing to convince the SADC. So we are saying Minister Patrick Chinamasa get ready to face the AU on the 19th of this month because we cannot have the elections postponed, considering where we are right now. It will never happen, that is when they shall see us. The selfish and dishonest British are supporting that, but we are saying democracy requires us to have elections every five years and Zimbabwe is now due for another election which must be held on the 31st of this month without fail," said Mugabe.
Regional body, SADC has already said the matter is internal.
Last month, the AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dhlamini Zuma, who was speaking at a press conference in Geneva, said for years, the west has been lecturing Zimbabwe on the rule law and respect for the judiciary but added that the same sections now want the same country to disregard a court ruling which compelled the president to hold elections not later than July 31.
President Mugabe took a swipe at those who seek to meddle in the country's internal processes in view of recent statements that the British government is seeking ways of involving itself in the country's electoral processes.
"We will not forget 1980. The British, you might talk and talk but your nonsensical talk about effecting transition in Zimbabwe will never happen. There will never be that nonsensical British transition, keep it to yourselves and leave us alone because we are independent," Mugabe said.
He had no kind words for MDC-T councillors, who are repossessing houses of residents in Marondera town for defaulting despite earlier on promising the residents that they would inherit the debt once voted into office.
President Mugabe said no repossessions should be allowed to be effected and called on the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Dr Ignatius Chombo to make sure that all residents' properties are safe from such repossessions.
He also told the people of Mashonaland East that his visit to Marondera was a reminder to the people to continue to respect and safeguard the freedom and independence of the country by voting for his party which brought independence.
The President appealed to the country's youths to safeguard and perpetuate the legacy of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chimurengas, adding that the freedom the country is enjoying should now be used to attain economic emancipation.
"To the youths, your sun is still rising while our sun is setting so take our advice. We don't want a situation where whites return and take back farms and all other means of production. If that happens we will rise against you, and even Mbuya Nehanda will rise against you," he aaded.
Speaking at the same rally, the First Lady, Grace Mugabe implored Zimbabweans to vote for President Mugabe, whom he described as an upright and consistent leader.
Amai Mugabe said Zanu-PF's policies have seen women being empowered and receiving a lot of respect and recognition in many aspects of life.
She said Mugabe's rival, the MDC-T leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has shown disrespect for women, adding that his acts in that regard do not provide good lessons for the youths.
At the same occasion, Grace Mugabe donated 10 tonnes of mealie meal, 10 tonnes of sugar beans, 560 cases of cooking oil and salt.
Source - zbc
