Morgan Tsvangarai is right to reject the so-called second version of a government of national unity, which proposes that the June 27 presidential run-off be cancelled and a government of national be formed with Robert Mugabe as president and Tsvangarai as prime minister.
Morgan Tsvangarai is right to reject the so-called second version of a government of national unity, which proposes that the June 27 presidential run-off be cancelled and a government of national be formed with Robert Mugabe as president and Tsvangarai as prime minister.
This is contrary to the first version, which proposed that if the MDC wins, Tsvangarai as president would invite Zanu-PF moderates to join his cabinet. It says nothing about Zanu-PF doing the same if it wins.
Violence is the primary motive behind the second version. It is argued that the violence, allegedly unleashed by Zanu-PF militias in collaboration with the police and intelligence, would make it impossible to hold free and fair elections.
If the run-off is cancelled Zanu-PF will have won again. If it is not sanctioning or condoning the violence, but is unable to curb it, it means that it is not fit to rule.
After the massacre of the Matabele people in the mid-80s, committed by the government, Mugabe invited Joshua Nkomo to form a government of national unity. Nkomo agreed and so allowed Zapu to disintegrate. Mugabe failed to honour his promise and forced Nkomo into exile.
Why should we not suspect that Mugabe will use the same dirty tactic again? If Nkomo had rejected Mugabe's offer, Zimbabwe would not be where it is today.
Sizwe Myataza, Braamfontein
Mugabe using every trick to stay in power
Morgan Tsvangarai is right to reject the so-called second version of a government of national unity, which proposes that the June 27 presidential run-off be cancelled and a government of national be formed with Robert Mugabe as president and Tsvangarai as prime minister.
Morgan Tsvangarai is right to reject the so-called second version of a government of national unity, which proposes that the June 27 presidential run-off be cancelled and a government of national be formed with Robert Mugabe as president and Tsvangarai as prime minister.
This is contrary to the first version, which proposed that if the MDC wins, Tsvangarai as president would invite Zanu-PF moderates to join his cabinet. It says nothing about Zanu-PF doing the same if it wins.
Violence is the primary motive behind the second version. It is argued that the violence, allegedly unleashed by Zanu-PF militias in collaboration with the police and intelligence, would make it impossible to hold free and fair elections.
If the run-off is cancelled Zanu-PF will have won again. If it is not sanctioning or condoning the violence, but is unable to curb it, it means that it is not fit to rule.
After the massacre of the Matabele people in the mid-80s, committed by the government, Mugabe invited Joshua Nkomo to form a government of national unity. Nkomo agreed and so allowed Zapu to disintegrate. Mugabe failed to honour his promise and forced Nkomo into exile.
Why should we not suspect that Mugabe will use the same dirty tactic again? If Nkomo had rejected Mugabe's offer, Zimbabwe would not be where it is today.
Sizwe Myataza, Braamfontein
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