MDC-T Manifesto launch - update

16:24-Tsvangirai officially launches the manifesto document.

16:15-Tsvangirai ends his address with a song as the party's executive and candidates stand to officially launch the manifesto.

16:09-Tsvangirai: We will curb corruption by government officials by establishing an anti corruption commission that is independent and has powers of arrest.

16:05-We will decentralise and equip the registrar general.

16:03-Tsvangirai pays tribute to Sadc for facilitating the Zimbabwe transition, thanks Lindiwe Zulu, says Mugabe cannot pull Zimbabwe out of Sadc.

15:53-Tsvangirai: When we came into government we launched the Government Work Programme and throught the Education Transition Programme where 13 million textbooks were distributed to schools

15:51-Tsvangirai: 'we will introduce free primary education and we will have student grants for university students.'

15:48-Tsvangirai: Unity government was a frustrating journey but it was life changing for Zimbabweans

15:46-Tsvangirai: 'We hope to close this chapter of barbarism and brutality and open a new one of peace and prosperity'

15:44-Tsvangirai: 'We have tried our best to prepare for reforms in the past four years but what we have witnessed is a constant attempt to defeat the will of the people ,I don't think the next election will be credible no matter who wins it but we believe in the collective wisdom of the people of Zimbabwe.'

15:41-Tsvngirai says reforms have not been achieved as we had anticipated but because of our faith we can achieve the change that we want to see.



15:36- Tsvangirai starts his address with a song.

15:38-Tsvangirai: 'this is s historic day for the MDC-T, today we can only showcase that we are a part of excellence.'

15:39-We are not just here to remove Mugabe but we are here to make a better future for the Zimbabweans.

15:26-Makone who is also co-home affairs minister says Zanu PF intends to force police to vote for Zanu PF but assures the polling process will take place in the presence of representatives of all parties.

15:24- Makone says all the rigging is going to take place in Uzumba Marambapfungwe where she says according to Mudede ,new voters were 55000 which is highly unlikely

15:21- Makone says women were raped and abused by Zanu PF in 2008

15:19-Women's Affairs leader Theresa Makone takes podium, castigates Mugabe for denigrating South Africa's Lindiwe Zulu .

15:15-Madzore urges Mugabe to accept defeat, "We are equally prepared to shed blood if Mugabe tries to rig"

15:14-Madzore says the MDC-T will ensure jobs for the youths.

15:13-Madzore  says Mugabe is dreaming when he says he will pull Zimbabwe out of SADC .

14:52-The party's standing committee of National Chair Lovemore Moyo,Secretary General Tendai Biti,Spokesman Douglas Mwonzora,treasurer Elton Mangoma,Abednico Bhebhe,and Tapiwa Mashakada,women's affairs Theresa Makone,National organising secretary Nelson Chamisa,Youth leader Solomon Madzore.

14:48-The Secretary general urges MDC-T supporters to go back and work for the party's victory ;he expresses ZCTU's solidarity with the MDC-T.

14:47- The MDC-T 2013 Election Manifesto is out and available for downloading here

14:46-ZCTU secretary general Japhet Moyo takes the podium,he says the event is a defining moment as the Nation moves towards the watershed elections.

14:42- Chamisa introduces the civic society organisations representatives.

14:40-The National Anthem is sung to signal the official start of the event.

14:17-Morgan Tsvangirai arrives,amid cheers and alutations from the capacity crowd here at Rudhaka.He is accompanied by his wife Elizabeth and the party's vice president Thokozani Khupe.



13:10-The proceedings continue with the introductions of provincial leaders .

12:37-Morgan Tsvangirai is yet to arrive but most MDC-T top officials and candidates are here as the Pastor gives an opening prayer and devotions

12:28-We are told Morgan Tsvangirai is likely to be here in an hour.Meanwhile thousands continue to pour into the stadium ;all in red regalia.

12:14-There is an electric mood here at Rudhaka Stadium .

12:10-The event is yet to start but MDC-T members are all over in their thousands ;they have painted Marondera red.