MDC-T upholds decision to boycott by-elections

The National Standing Committee of the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai met in Harare on Tuesday and resolved to uphold its congress resolution on boycotting all elections until electoral reforms are instituted in Zimbabwe.

The MDC-T has been under pressure from within its ranks to participate in by-elections to fill parliamentary seats left vacant following the party's move to recall 21 lawmakers who had joined the MDC Renewal Team.

By-elections are expected in 14 of the 21 constituencies.

Party spokesman, Obert Gutu, said the National Standing Committee will forward its decision to the party's National Council for a final decision.

With by-elections to fill five parliamentary seats drawing closer, the National Constitutional Assembly party's candidate in the Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe by-election, Munashe Mutodza, told VOA Studio 7 he is being targeted by suspected Zanu-PF members for contesting in the poll.

Mutodza said some unknown callers are threatening him for contesting against Mrs. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the wife of Zimbabwe's Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She is among five candidates contesting the poll this Friday to replace the vice president.

Mutodza said even though he finally managed to get the voters' roll, he thinks it is too late for him to study it and take action if there are some anomalies for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to fix.

Other candidates in the by-election are Abigail Rumbidzai Musambasi of Transform Zimbabwe, Gadzamoyo Dhewa of the Good People's Movement Party and independent candidate Willbroad Kanoti.

Interview With Obert Gutu