MDC not happy with amendments to security and media laws

By Lance Guma
20 December 2007

The MDC has moved to dispel media reports that say it is happy with amendments to media and security laws rammed through parliament this week. Speaking on our Behind the Headlines programme party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said they would only sign a comprehensive deal with Zanu PF once the talks had, ‘delivered a healthy balance sheet,’ of gains versus losses. Civil society and media groups slammed the amendments passed this week as having no substance to affect the political terrain and Chamisa himself admitted as much. He said what Zanu PF had delivered so far was merely a drop in the ocean of demands they have put forward.

The party wants a complete repeal of repressive laws, the setting up of an independent electoral commission, a new voters roll and the reopening of independent media shut down by repressive laws. Chamisa however says whatever concessions they can get for now will be accepted, as they continue to fight for other concessions. ‘You don’t negotiate with your friend. Zanu PF is our competitor. Its like moving a mountain, you cannot do it overnight,’ the Kuwadzana MP said. Critics are not convinced. Chamisa for example has been battling to get police clearance for his graduation party in his constituency, despite the event being non-political.

The repressive environment and laws remains in place and the Media Institute of Southern Africa summed up the amendments as being more administrative than substantive. MDC Secretary General Tendai Biti pointed out that it remained to be seen if there would be any changes on the ground because of the amendments. This is because many of their supporters are being targeted in incidents of violence around the country. ‘There is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to have a new beginning. We have gone far in this dialogue,’ Biti is quoted as saying. Chamisa meanwhile said it was important for people to realize they have not yet committed themselves to participating in the elections and will carry out a thorough evaluation before making that decision.

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