The people have spoken

The people have spoken

• Tsvangirai's MDC faction wins Budiriro poll

• Mutambara, 3 MPs arrested in Budiriro

• INTERVIEW: Mutambara says no change without democratic opposition

• INTERVIEW: Kagoro on MDC cannibalism

• Mutambara sees resolution of MDC dispute

• 'He is a rare talent, where has he been?'

• Coltart on violence of the fist, tongue and heart

• Mutambara says exiles must vote

• MDC leaders in international diplomatic offensive

• INTERVIEW: Coltart speaks on MDC split

• Tsvangirai vows to confront Mugabe

• Coltart: Tsvangirai failed to deal with violence

MDC spokesman and Kuwadzana MP writes on the party's weekend victory in Budiriro:

By Nelson Chamisa

THE people have spoken. They have spoken against dictatorship, against high prices, against hyperinflation, and against the destruction of their homes and the lack of drugs in hospitals.

And indeed they spoke in their thousands against tyranny..

The MDC commends the people of Budiriro for having the resilience, courage and tenacity in putting the fight for democracy first. The MDC wishes to thank the people of Budiriro for making a loud statement that they are ready for change and a democratic dispensation. The people of Budiriro have made it clear that they wish to retain their constituency under the leadership of their candidate, Emmanual Chisvuvure.

For us in the MDC, the result is a clear reflection of the people’s commitment to the democratic struggle for political transformation. It is a clear reflection of that the people are ready for change.

The Budiriro sentiment is indeed the national sentiment. They also want change in Chivi, in Tsholotsho, in Murehwa, in Tamandayi and in Chipinge. The people are tired of tyranny. Budiriro represents the national struggle for a new dispensation and a new beginning.

The MDC victory in Budiriro endorses and reinforces the national resolve to terminate the dehumanising political and economic crisis authored and instigated by Robert Mugabe’s regime. The people of Budiriro voted for the MDC’s values and policies. They voted for a new, people-driven Constitution that will lead to a legitimate electoral process under international supervision. They voted for food and jobs. They voted for security and freedom. Their victory is a victory for our mission, a victory for our purpose and vision which touch the very pulse of the nation. Our victory is a reaffirmation that we remain the only source of hope for millions of Zimbabweans suffering under the yoke of an unmitigated dictatorship.

It is clear that even the 24, 9 percent for Zanu PF, as against the 75 percent votes for the MDC, is a reflection that the Zanu PF vote is a result of electoral fraud. In spite of the irregularities unearthed in this by-election, the people’s will prevailed. Under these circumstances, we believe that elections alone are not the exclusive way of resolving the national crisis.

With Budiriro now out of the way, the next challenge is for us to refocus on democratic resistance. It is now time to implement the Congress resolutions and engage in a complementing process as part of our efforts to resolve the national crisis afflicting the millions of Zimbabweans yearning for change.

The people have spoken. The people are determined to save their country. The people are determined to save Zimbabwe from further economic ruin, social decay and deadening impoversishment. The people are ready to govern themselves.

Nelson Chamisa MP is Secretary for Information and Publicity for the MDC faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai
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