Zanu PF have already conceded defeat: Tsvangirai

By Lance Guma

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has reacted to Zanu PF threats of a coup if he wins the next election saying “our colleagues have already conceded defeat and are mulling unconstitutional methods of averting that defeat.”

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo both hinted in separate media interviews that military generals in the country would be forced to intervene if the MDC-T leader won presidential elections.

But Tsvangirai who was addressing a public lecture on prospects for a democratic breakthrough said “we have patriots within the rank and file of our security forces. They will not join the so-called coup. I can assure you the soldiers, most of whom I talk to every day, will not take part in it.”

Tsvangirai used the ‘New Zimbabwe Lecture Series’ to bemoan the lack of key reforms ahead of the next elections. The power sharing deal had put in place benchmarks for political, media, electoral and security sector reforms but Mugabe’s regime had ensured there is no movement he said.

Tsvangirai visited Zaka a fortnight ago to see victims of Zanu PF violence. After a visit to St. Anthony’s Musiso Mission Hospital to see an old man petrol-bombed by Zanu PF thugs, the PM said he was told the matron and hospital staff received anonymous calls threatening them for allowing the visit.

The MDC-T leader said “despite these impediments” in the next 9 to 12 months they had to ensure the successful implementation of agreed positions which they “have failed to do in four years.”  He said the inclusive government had no choice if “we are to have a clean election in line with SADC resolutions.”

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