SW Radio Africa (London)
Tichaona Sibanda
17 May 2008
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai is unlikely to return home on Saturday to resume his presidential election campaign, his party has said.
Nelson Chamisa, the party spokesman said they couldn't say why he would not be coming on Saturday, 'except to say it's due to circumstances beyond our control.'
Its believed the delay is thought to be due to concerns over security arrangements. The delay has been described as a setback for the campaign programme that was set to be launched in Bulawayo on Sunday.
After spending more than a month outside Zimbabwe since then trying to drum up international support, Tsvangirai had been planning to return to Harare on Saturday and resume his campaign to oust Robert Mugabe.
He had been due to speak to newly elected members of parliament from his party, who will form a majority for the first time since independence.
The MDC leader had also planned to address a major rally in Bulawayo, on Sunday. The rally is still scheduled to go ahead. The MDC and human rights groups have said hundreds of its supporters have been beaten up and at least 30 killed since the first round on 29 March.
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Hey this is smart b/c this may not be for the timid but well he could very much be a dead man if he comes home so that comment was foolish unless you have a death wish just another ply of Mugabe's to keep him in office but we know mugabe is very capable of killing so that is why the African leaders must send in a group of armed miltary to not only protect the opposition but also the people of Zimbabwe...
Out of curiosity, what WOULD happen if the leader of the MDC was assassinated?
I agree it would be a tragedy, but how would Zimbabwe react? How would South Africa and SADC and AU react? Would Mugabe "claim the throne"?
I truly see ZANU-PF/Mugabe declaring a state of emergency anyway and stamping out MDC.......
I hope this is not the case and that "people power" overcomes the tyranny and destruction ZANU-PF/Mugabe has wrought on Zimbabwe, but I suspect, Mugabe and his cronies will reach for the lure of continued power and declare a State of Emergency. They've done everything else to remain in power, it's such a small step to move to the next level and outlaw MDC and public gatherings compared to what they've done already to cement their position during the 5 weeks it took to announce the results of the election and the add'l 6 weeks before the "run-off".
julman,for eight long years Morgan has caused a lot of trouble for ZANU PF and is responsible with his western backed mdc for the hardships in Zimbabwe. I think it's fair to say if Mugabe/ZANU PF wanted to assassinate him they would have done it years ago. It is not hard for any country to get rid of a problem person if they want to.
Much like the Zanu PF is currently doing with anyone that voted MDC?
indie you really need to GROW UP! You make it seem as if all twelve million Zimbabweans are for the mdc??? The fact is if that was so Mugabe would have been gone years ago. Stop being so stupid - black Zimbabweans are not as thick as you are.
See Kube... when you are cornered and dont have a point, you attack the messenger. Nice, but everyone sees through it. If the last elections were free and fair we would have seen the back of Mugabe 4 years ago. Did you see an opposition candidate got kidnapped and murdered yesterday. Zimbabwe is a disgrace. PS hows New Zealand?
So hows things in New Zealand Kube? Enjoying how safe you feel there?
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Tsvangirai anenge gwarawo futi. This game is not for the timid and frail at heart. Nhasi wati waakuuya,mangwana wava neimwe nhoroondo,unotonga sei nekutya kwakadaro. Those in Mkumbura,Mtoko and all those areas where your party is saying are being brutalised,are hoping that you realize that this game is not for the timid. Smell the coffee Mr Tsvangirai,time is running muchingoti rwizi ruchaserera tozoyambuka,riini?