MDC rallies move full throttle into rural areas despite bans

By Lance Guma
14 July 2006

The opposition led by Morgan Tsvangirai is going ahead with several rallies planned for the weekend in traditional Zanu PF strongholds. This is despite previous bans imposed by the police. The police have banned over 9 different MDC rallies this year for a variety of reasons with the most famous one being the ‘toilet excuse’ that was used to block a rally in Chinhoyi. Police in the area told the MDC they could not hold a rally there because there were no sufficient toilets to accommodate the expected crowds.

Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa told Newsreel they were moving into the Mwenezi and Gutu areas of Masvingo province. These rallies are set to be addressed by the National Chairman Isaac Matongo. Deputy Treasurer Elton Mangoma is leading a delegation that will address further rallies in the Honde Valley and Rusape. The women’s assembly will be in the Matabeleland areas of Gwanda, Nkayi, Lupane and Hwange. Chamisa argues that it is a myth to assume these are Zanu PF strongholds insisting ‘Mugabe was not popular even inside state house.’

In previous weeks 3 rallies in Manicaland province, 2 provincial meetings in Chitungwiza and a further 2 rallies in Chivhu and Chikomba have been blocked by the police. The MDC says it is currently mobilising its supporters for mass action but has not given dates for this insisting it will happen only ‘when the owners of that process are ready.’ This week saw Tsvangirai addressing provincial leaders in what many saw as a signal of growing urgency within the movement to deliver results. Chamisa was however quick to point out they will not be drawn into premature action.