Full Statement from Morgan Tsvangirai on the decision to withdraw from the Presidential run-off
The MDC won the March 29th elections despite conditions that were far from free and fair. Our party’s message of peaceful, democratic change and rebuilding a New Zimbabwe enjoys the support of the vast majority of Zimbabweans.
Our election victory confirmed this to Mugabe and since that date, he and his supporters have been waging a war against the people of Zimbabwe.
This violent retributive agenda has seen over 200 000 people internally displaced and over 86 MDC supporters killed. Over 20 000 homes have been destroyed and over 10 000 people have been injured and maimed in this orgy of violence.
For the record, there are eight broad reasons why a free and fair election is impossible. Zanu PF has already subverted the run-off through the following:
STATE SPONSORED VIOLENCE
The police have been reduced to bystanders while Zanu PF militia commit crimes against humanity varying from rape, torture, murder, arson, abductions and other atrocities.
Zanu PF militia dressed in army regalia have been deployed to spearhead the terror campaign in the rural and urban areas. Armed Zanu PF youths are waging a terror campaign and have vowed that the MDC will not rule the county even if it wins.
The Joint Operations Command (JOC) is engineering a violent campaign to subvert the will of the people. The Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) has designed covert operations to destabilize the nation.
Zanu PF has set up over 3000 militia bases across the length and breath of the country in order to cow and intimidate MDC supporters into submission.
Death and hit squads are on the loose in all the provinces.
War veterans and Zanu PF youths are manning illegal roadblocks with impunity in complicity with the police.
The use of guns and arms of war by Zanu PF militia and war vets to campaign for Zanu PF has virtually militarized the election atmosphere.
All this is being done as State sponsored ploy to tilt the vote in favour of Zanu PF.
MDC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE’S CAMPAIGN
The regime has crippled the MDC Presidential Candidate’s campaign. MDC rallies have been banned. Court orders have been ignored. Today, Sunday the 22nd of June 2008, a mere five days before the run-off date, police refused MDC permission to hold its only Star Rally at the open space across the Harare Show Grounds. We successfully sought a High Court Order which granted us permission to proceed with our rally. Regrettably, armed Zanu PF thugs occupied the venue in order to prevent us from gathering. MDC supporters were attacked and cars were stoned at the venue. This happened in full view of the police.
Unlawful arrests of the MDC Presidential Candidate have been going on unabated. The public media has flatly refused to flight MDC adverts. To date, no single commercial has aired by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. There is a total blackout of the MDC in the public media in clear contravention of the SADC guidelines and standards governing a free and fair election.
The hate language and the vilification of the MDC Presidential candidate by the public broadcasters and public media is unprecedented. By denying us access to the media the regime has managed to deny the MDC access to the people.
DECIMATION OF MDC STRUCTURES
The MDC Secretary General, Hon. Tendai Biti and MP Advocate Matinenga are illegally detained. Over 2000 MDC supporters including our polling agents are in illegal detention. The arrests have targeted members of Parliament, Councillors, the MDC structures and election agents. Over 200 000 people have been internally displaced. The whole game plan is designed to cripple the MDC campaign.
THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION (ZEC)
The MDC is shocked by the level of partisanship of ZEC. We have lost confidence in ZEC. The organization has been staffed by war veterans and Zanu PF militia. In fact, as it stands now, ZEC is not in charge of the management of this election.
THE MEDIA
The media is under attack. There is a complete blackout of the MDC’s campaign. Journalists are being harassed and intimidated and foreign journalists barred from entering the country.
THE ZANU PF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
The Zanu PF candidate has no respect for the MDC, observers, the regional and international community. He has made public pronouncements to the effect that he will not accept defeat. He has declared war by saying that the bullet has replaced the ballot. The statement by General Chiwenga and Commissioner of Prisons Zimondi that they will not respect and accept the will of the people is regrettable and is a clear manifestation that a free and fair election is impossible.
PLANNED ELECTION RIGGING BY ZANU PF
The MDC has unearthed an elaborate and decisive plan by Zanu PF to rig the elections through the following measures:
- Commandeering the uniformed forces to use the postal ballot and forcing them to vote in front of their superiors.
- The prevention of MDC election agents to get to the polling stations through roadblocks and arrests.
- The three Mashonaland provinces have been identified as rigging centres where ballots are going to be stuffed.
- Villagers are having their national identity cards confiscated denying them their right to vote.
- There is a plan to record the serial numbers of ballot papers so as to intimidate voters.
- The holding of forced pungwes (overnight meetings) where MDC supporters are beaten and forced to undergo “re-education”.
- The abuse of traditional leaders.
- The use of massive violence as a weapon to influence the ballot.
CONCLUSION
Given the totality of these circumstances, we believe a credible election, which reflects the will of the people is impossible. We remain unreservedly committed to free and fair elections in the country. The conditions prevailing as of today do not permit the holding of a credible poll.
The militia, war veterans and even Mugabe himself have made it clear that anyone that votes for me in the forthcoming election faces the very real possibility of being killed.
Zimbabweans have also shown how brave and resilient they can be. They have withstood years of brutality, impoverishment and intimidation. They are dedicated to a New democratic Zimbabwe.
But, we in the MDC, cannot ask them to cast their vote on June 27th when that vote could cost them their lives.
Therefore, we in the MDC have resolved that we will no longer participate in this violent, illegitimate sham of an election process.
The courageous people of this country, and the people of the MDC have done everything humanly and democratically possible to deliver a New Zimbabwe under a New Government.
We urge SADC, AU and the United Nations to intervene urgently in this unprecedented situation to restore the rule of law, peace, and conditions for a free and fair election.
We are going to articulate our vision and the way forward to the people of Zimbabwe and the world, after further consulting the people.
Finally, we salute and thank all the suppressed masses of Zimbabwe who have been maimed, raped, tortured, lost homes and properties in the pursuit of a noble cause of wishing to see a free and democratic Zimbabwe. I sympathize with you over the loss of your loved ones in these final phases of the struggle. Victory is certain, it can only be delayed.
I thank you.
President Morgan Tsvangirai
June 22nd, 2008 16:52
In his desparation to cling to power, Robert Mugabe has trampled on democracy more viciously than virtually any leader since the Second World War. Sad though this day is, he may have unleashed forces he is incapable of controlling, and may yetface the wrath of his people other than through the ballot box. My thoughts are with all the brave Zimbabweans who have stood up to him, and who, one way or another, will ultimately succeed in realising their dream of a stable and free country.
Meanwhile, the support from outside of those who have been arrested or are otherwise in danger should continue with redoubled efforts.
June 22nd, 2008 16:53
This is the saddest day. In many respects MT is right. It would have been a farce. He has forced Mad Bob to display to the World his intentions and brutality. So we go on..and on..until people listen and take action.
The most obvious route is via the UN. So I will be lobbying my representatives to get this nightmare pushed up the Agenda.
June 22nd, 2008 16:57
This is so disappointing yet it is the right choice.
It does show that MT is somewhat different to some of his African contemporaries in that he is willing to sacrifice power to protect the people, rather than fight for the presidency until the end despite the consequences. That deserves a great deal of respect in my mind.
I cannot imagine what happens next.
God help Zimbabwe
June 22nd, 2008 16:59
Further to my comment (http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/archives/1079)I see that certainly here in the UK, at this very early stage and led by the LibDems, followed by the shadow Foreign Sec, comments for a tougher stance against Mugabe are coming forth. Shortly I guess that other bodies will raise their voices. It seems that amongst other things Mugabe has had the wind taken out of his sails, and any victory he claims is certainly a hollow one - which is why ZANU-PF have said that they will continue with the election process. Can you really cheer the sole runner in a race claiming victory, or rather see it as pathetic. Mugabe denounced MDC accusations of the lack of free and fair elections as ‘a damn lie’. Actions speak louder than words and MDC has physically proved the election process has no integrity and validity, leaving Mugabe frothing impotently. MDC has employed the word’genocide’, and unless Mugabe has sufficient control to reign in his thugs immediately from now on, any incident of violence can be evidential of Mugabe’s policy of democide and possibly genocide. As it is he has prior ‘convictions’ in this activity and his credibility is in tatters.
Mugabe and his military junta will have to wrestle with governing and controlling a nation of lawlessness and ecconomic collapse on their own. And there is some poetic justice in this, in that over the past couple of months they themselves have made their task all the more herculean.
June 22nd, 2008 17:08
Well done on a brave, balanced, non-hysterical statement. I am sure that the majority of South Africans would support the wisdom of this decision and wish strength to your resolve.
The challenge is getting the SA govt to wake up.
A friend
June 22nd, 2008 17:16
I’m weeping deeply in shock. I can understand the decision but what’s next. Which options are left now?
Please can somenone tell us what’s going on in Harare right now? I’m so concerned about my friends there.
I’m with you and hope you will stay safe.
June 22nd, 2008 17:22
This is incredibly sad.
June 22nd, 2008 17:26
I’m sure this has not been an easy decision and my thoughts and prayers are with the MDC, especially within Zimbabwe, and the many who may not hear this news any time soon, or have access to Mr Tsvangirai’s explanation.
But, speaking from the outside, this does seem to be the right thing. The courage of the MDC resistance makes one want to fight on. I do not doubt that people would have struggled with their last ounce of strength to vote for change. But, it’s become clear in recent days that they were never going to get that chance. We already saw, from the previous election, that the “logistics” create too many points when manipulation and blatant rigging can occur. As Tsvangirai says, people will simply be prevented from getting to the polls, and will vote on the clear understanding that their vote will not be secret. It’s too much.
And I agree that his willingness to lay down his own chance at power for the sake of his people is the mark of true leadership.
Mugabe has invited God to remove him - out of his own mouth came words of blasphemy like none ever before spoken, even by the most lunatic warlords of Africa. May it be so, and soon.
June 22nd, 2008 18:01
This statement is a testimony to Tsvangirai’s stature. He is a worthy leader.
My heart cries out for those who have been tortured, raped, displaced, starved, beaten, bullied and intimidated. But take heart, for Ghandi showed that victory is achieved by those who follow the righteous path, not by those who hit hardest.
The world prays for you Zimbabwe. May God be with you and give you the energy to keep going in your struggle.
June 22nd, 2008 18:20
A few weeks back I told this blog it was strategically wrong for the MDC to contest in a run-off which ZANU was intent on winning at all costs. I feel vindicated in a somewhat macabre fashion now that the MDC has called it quits; they should have never lent their name to this sham process (as they now realise). My fellow countrymen, you are seeing the end of opposition politics for this generation, the end of a dream for millions. I a true born Zimbabwean, declare that there is nothing more pleasing to a man’s eyes than the sight of his country: Alas! it will not be so for most of us. Goodbye my friends, you have been brave, I take myself to fight other wars after my own fashion.
June 22nd, 2008 19:10
I am so sorry; that Zimbabwe has suffered so gravely for all these years, months, days, and that finally the hope you had that somehow this election could bring quick relief has come to an end.
An awful decision for the MDC to be faced with, and I desperately hope that finally the rest of the world will stop their cowardice and intervene in whatever way the Zimbabwean people want them to.
I have thought the reaction on the bbc today, particularly the interview with David Milliband a few minutes ago, has at least been good. England means very little of course - despite Mugabe’s belief - we’re a tiny country with very little sway in the world. And despite us holding the deeply shameful position we do in the history of your country.
I’ve read all the posts and comments here, every night since March. I’ve followed all the articles in the Guardian, the BBC, and the African papers this site has given links to.
I haven’t written in before because this is not my tragedy, and I haven’t felt I have the right. I have never lived in Zimbabwe, don’t have friends in Zimbabwe, and have never even visited. What possible solace can it be that a random bedridden woman in England thinks of and hopes for you and your country constantly. I’ve wished so often I could walk and do something, however small, to help.
So I don’t know why I’m writing now! I just couldn’t hold myself back on this momentous day from expressing my enormous admiration for you all, your extraordinary courage, persistance and patience.
I also wanted to ask if the information given a few weeks back about a fund that could be contributed to is still working? I have a pathetically small amount but would love to contribute something…
My unending admiration and prayers for whatever is to come.
June 22nd, 2008 19:14
Please keep writing ‘an outsider’. It gives us great comfort to know people are there and reading and with us all the way. The fund is working. If you click the link in our side bar to the Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation who have an emergency releief appeal.
June 22nd, 2008 19:15
My tears and prayers are with you. I am so sorry.
June 22nd, 2008 19:20
We all seem to share the feeling of gloom and dread, but the optimist in me can’t wait to see how Mad Bob deals with a new, and “duly elected governement” - even by ZEC’s dubious standards! That should make for interesting times.
Quite obviously Bob won’t want to keep it, but he could have a real snag.
Also I expect, that the naive and stupid ZANU PF supporters are gleefully anticipating normalisation of things, like inflation, since there is no longer any electioneering. What a surprise they are going to get!
They don’t understand that growth of any sort, aid included, generally requires assurance of “good governance” - and that most emphatically is NOT one of Bob’s strengths!
One of the other commentaries somewhere on this site suggest that Bob has unleashed a monster bigger than he is. I think that is a distinct possibility.
So, Bob for 5 more yrs, I don’t think so. But keep your heads down the good people of Zim, and MDC - it might be quite a ride!
Lastly, it delights me to note that Bob practically has no meaningful international friends left. (I don’t count Mbeki as meaningful, although, God knows, he did nothing to help the Zimbabwean people.) Bob’ll be winging this alone, methinks!
June 22nd, 2008 19:40
I go away, think some more, and come back. I think this has been a very clever move on the part of MDC, and I think that Morgan has out-strategised Mugabe. Strangely though it may seem, with the help of Mugabe’s own contolled judiciary and militia. For a start, if MDC had gone ahead with today’s approved rally, ZANU would have used this to point out that the law was not prejudicial and MDC whinning about campaign impairment was just hot air. So the rally was on the cards and all above board. Fortunately the over-zealous youth militia positioned themselves to underscore the MDC claims that their campaigns were consistently violently disrupted. MDC quickly make the decision and gave their reasons consistent with evidence on the ground that the whole world was watching unfold. Mugabe has effectively been caught, in one of his usual public flashes, with his pants down.
Looking ahead - there will be victory jubilation in the ZANU camp, especially amongst the foot soldiers, with their illiterately conceived notions of self importance vindicated. Then, it will be back to aimlessly roaming the streets, unemployed and being a ‘normal’ Zimbabwean. When they start feeling the pinch, and this being more so when their ’service’ pay over the past weeks ceases, they will make demands for further compensation, arguing that the government is indebted to them for thwarting the MDC threat. The government will either be expensively blackmailed by war-vets, greenbombers and youth militia, or dangerously ignore them. ZANU-PF have got their hands full!
June 22nd, 2008 20:59
This was indeed the best decision, though difficult. It places people and values first, other than power and personal interests. Well done Morgan and MDC!
In terms of strategy, MDC should intensify its diplomatic engagement for the ZEC to declare no elections on 27th because of the political environment. Set a new date, and agree to a robust opening of the space, allowing UN, SADC, AU,, CHURCH and other observors, opening the airwaves, arresting those militias etc.
Zimbabwe is on the UN Security Council Agenda tomorrow, and broader sanctions are already being discussed in the EU. The country is not governable anymore for ZANU-PF.
AU should support Zambia’s leadership in SADC and review the composition of the mediation team. Mbeki is discreditated, and should not be allowed to continue. Zimbabwe needs a fresh political mediation team.
Its a tough time for the nation. Zimbabweans continue to say No to violence!!
June 22nd, 2008 21:35
I just turned on the television and saw the news. I am so very sad that the heroic struggle of so many whose names will never see the glare of publicity has been rewarded in this way and at this time.
However I know that my grief is slight, my mettle untested, my stomach full and my savings ample. Neither has my body received new injuries nor disease by way of viscious state sponsored persecution. My losses are as nothing compared with those of the people of Zimbabwe, in recent weeks all the more incredibly more so.
Tomorrow night if God is willing my church management team meets in Aylesbury, England, and we will spend some time holding the people of Zimbabwe in our prayers asking for God’s protection in renewed measure at this awful time.
May the Father of orphans, the Husband of widows and the Provider for refugees bring Sanctuary to all His people — soon and very soon. May the Prince of Peace restore honour to the people of peaceful struggle — soon and very soon. May Zimbabwe’s neighbours, people and countries around the world, spare no effort on her behalf — soon and very soon. May Zimbabwe once again and with true justice, righteousness and integrity be the breadbasket of Africa — soon and very soon.
June 22nd, 2008 21:56
It is appalling that it has come to this. Although Mugabe is very evil I see the root cause of this evil event is the very, very wicked ANC government in South Africa and their complicity in helping Mugabe stay in power.
June 23rd, 2008 00:02
I wondered about the election decision until I read the MDC’s explanation, which makes perfect sense to me. It was a wise decision.
The game is not over. God’s Name has been invoked, and we wait expectantly for Him to show His Hand. Even surrender can be on the path to victory.
No-one can hold back His hand or say to Him,
“What have you done?”
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30
June 23rd, 2008 02:17
I wept and wept when I read the news this morning. My heart hurts for my fellow countrymen and women who feel now that all hope is lost. What a sad, sad day for Zimbabwe but I do still believe that Morgan and his team have done the best possible thing to protect the lives of the voters. May God bring peace to our people back home, stay strong and do not give up hope. I believe that the international community cannot sit back any longer. Have faith in God - change is coming to Zimbabwe.
June 22nd, 2008 16:42
Zimbabwe: Two views…
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