MDC-T remains on the side of the people

The outcome of the results in the weekend by-election in Ward 9, Victoria Falls, in which the MDC-T trounced Zanu PF, is a strong confirmation that the MDC-T remains the peopleÂ’s party of choice.

The MDC-TÂ’s win at the weekend is a clear affirmation that under free, fair and credible electoral conditions, the MDC-T will win any local authority, parliamentary or national by-election. The people of Zimbabwe know that it is only the MDC-T that can bring a new democratic Zimbabwe despite their vote being stolen on 31 July.

The weekend by-election, although it was held using the disputed votersÂ’ roll, is an indication that the people of Zimbabwe understands that only the MDC-T is able to deliver real change and genuine transformation.

The people of Zimbabwe know that it is only the MDC-T that can provide decent accommodation, jobs and make Zimbabwe work again. It is clear that the 31 July national elections and the peopleÂ’s will to a new Zimbabwe were stolen.

However, the MDC-T remains prepared for any future by-elections but we demand that new reforms should be in place. We demand that a voterÂ’s roll that is verifiable should be available before, during and after the elections and that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should not be staffed by Zanu PF political commissars. ZEC should have the opportunity of recruiting its staff afresh and not be saddled with legacy issues of the past.

The MDC-TÂ’s position is that security sector and media reforms should be put in place before elections in Zimbabwe can be classified as free, fair and credible.

The peopleÂ’s right to freedom of association, assembly, and movement continue to be seriously handicapped while the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (AIPPA) and Public Order and Security Act (POSA) must be repealed as they conflict with the new constitution.

The MDC-T demands that the peopleÂ’s will is respected and not subverted in order to produce an outcome that is legitimate and not disputed. However, the MDC-T commends and gives praise to the residents of Victoria Falls for their continued support and faith in the MDC-T in the face of adversity.