MDC-T plans Parliament pull out

Zimbabwe's main opposition party, MDC-T, is contemplating pulling out of Parliament and masses in protest against Zanu PF's reluctance to create a conducive environment for the holding of free and fair elections.

The Excellent Party's National Chairman Hon Lovemore Moyo told NewsDay yesterday that the proposal came up during a National Council meeting last week, but was yet to be formally debated. Moyo chaired the meeting.

"All I can say is, of course, the matter was raised and it's still at its earliest stages. There is nothing as yet because there are (certain) procedures to be followed before it is tabled. So, indeed it was raised, but it has not been formally tabled for discussion," the former Speaker of the National Assembly said.
Party insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity said the issue was raised by a South Africa-based MDC-T member and received massive support from National Council officials at the meeting.

The idea was, however, resisted by sitting MPs who felt the move would plunge them into abject poverty. MDC-T officials who supported the disengagement proposal argued that it was pointless for sitting legislators to remain in Parliament after the party had resolved to boycott all the forthcoming by-elections over an uneven playing field.

"A youth leader based in South Africa, who is a member of the council, raised that issue and some saw some sense in that. If we decide not to participate in the elections, why then legitimise Zanu PF's illegal stay in the House? Boycotting is the way to go and this is a view shared by many," the insider said.

"Let's pull out and let us concentrate on piling pressure on the (Zanu PF) regime by more demonstrations and visibility on the ground and diplomatic engagements, among other areas, while we are not in Parliament.