Mixed feelings as Tsvangirai 'sells out seats to Zanu PF'

There has been escalating mixed feelings concerning the move not to contest by elections in 14 constituencies which were left vacant when the MDC-T applied for their recall from parliament after they defected from the party to form MDC Renewal.

Some political and social commentators are of the view that the MDC-T is finished and has sold out the seats to Zanu PF which will not benefit the electorate that had elected those who were recalled. Some commentators said the MDC-T was right by not taking part in the polls as participating will be legitimising the flawed electoral process whose results would not benefit the nation at large.

The remarks by commentators came after the MDC-T vibrant member Job Sikhala announced on Facebook page that his party is not contesting the By Elections due on the 6th of June 2015 till there are electoral reforms and the political field is level to conduct fair elections.

Barbra Nyarie Nyagomo said politics in Zimbabwe is a very dirty game and will never be fair.

"There is no fair game in the world," she said. "Even in football there is the "hand of God", Cricket has its issues etc. I believe in fighting it out in the ring, be in the system to change it. How can you change Zanunised institutes if you don't participate?"

She said MDC-T by not participating is letting down its members and giving all the 21 seats to Zanu PF equals to absolute power for the ruling party.

"So how can you force the alignment of the Electoral Act from outside the parliament?" she asked. "How are you going to make sure that only Civilians are employed by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)? How are you going to demand for a new voters register and diasporans voting rights when you are powerless and voiceless outside parliament?"

Juliet Mabika said she thinks Zimbabwe has no opposition party.

"We are a one party state," she said. "Even MPs from both MDC-T and Zanu PF go shopping together. MDCT has already surrendered by no longer contesting in any future elections without reforms. They are just waiting for these reforms to happen."

Anderson Mwale said participating or foregoing the bye elections would not have made a difference to MDC unless someone can convince people otherwise.

"As for the recall l really doesn't see the problem also since those recalled no longer represented the interests of MDC-T," he said. "What of the ongoing recalls in ZANU? There are outstanding issues to do with running of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe which things we all know here. Those wanting MDC-T to participate have a sinister agenda that for MDC-T to abet and sanitize stolen elections. But alas Save  (Tsvangirai) is not playing ball this time no wonder the incessant squirming and squealing.

Zack Njagu said MDC-T Congress represents all the provinces of the party throughout the country and they resolved not to contest in any elections which have no reforms.

"Our national council sat again and upheld the people's resolution," he said. "We would rather respect views of our member s not spectators and commentators we don't know their motives. Constructive criticism is welcome from supporters and sympathizers but for our enemies give us breathing space please."

Tendayi Goneso said it is the MDC T supporters through Congress and National council which endorsed the boycott.

"So do not separate the two. Who is letting down who? Reforms will be forced in the streets," he said.

Norman Makwanya said Zimbabwe is a very democratic country, whoever feels that one political party is not political correct they should form theirs and do what they perceive to be right.

"It is within MDC T's rights to do what they see fit as long as they don't violate the country's constitution," he said. "Let them be firm in what they want guided by their internal constitution rather than be blown by the wind following what the general populace want."

But Sikhala asked the discussion was about his party and Tsvangirai.

"Why is the MDC –T and Tsvangirai such a pain to many people?" he asked. "If you say he is finished leave him and his party."

Farai Mupinduki reiterated that MDC-T is finished which he described as a fact that does not need to be verified.

"Between now and the end of days we shall be talking about it whether you like it or not," he said.

But Sikhala hid back saying, "Don't fool yourself you say MDC -T is finish you are confused.

" This is no longer the GNU MDC. This is the party with new strategies and tactics and you think we might be stupid enough to make them public. Let's wait and see. This is the MDC and it is the majority party," he said.

But Jonathan Chando asked Sikhala to can you enlighten people  on why MDC-T want to let the seats where there will be contestation(14) go while they have decided to fill the others(7) where there is proportional representation, yet there still has not been any electoral reforms.

"In my opinion I find it hypocritical for MDC-T to want the free seats and betray voters in the other constituencies," he said. "It contested and won all 21 seats in 2013 without reforms having been implemented, so why is it now talking of electoral reforms? Don't it think it is short changing voters?"

Lotriet Warren said Tsvangiari must be made to know that he sold those seats to Zanu PF because he was having financial problems.

He said he regrets ever voting for him and said he hope and pray that he die or do not contest the elections as he is a disgrace.

"Its not because I am an evil man who wants to see him lose his life no ... but because he is no more guilty than Zanu PF of putting Zimbabwe in this situation," he said. "We gave him power 2008 he became like that man who sold his birth right for a bowl of porridge. Forgive me for calling him this ...but he is a stupid idiot with no humility or wisdom and that is a fact. Morgan can never lead a thirsty horse to a river ... and i do believe that even if he has numbers, which i still don't understand why (some Zimbabweans are crazy) I cannot be under such a man."

 Isaac Mutasa said those who want to contest can register their parties and do so or enter the race as independents as MDC-T will stick to its congress resolutions.