CHENGETAI ZVAUYA
MDC president Nelson Chamisa has said he is ready to lead the National Transitional Authority that will pave way for fresh elections.
He added that he was also keen to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa for dialogue over the political and economic crisis affecting the country adding his party will roll out demos to push for reforms.
Addressing party members in Mbare Tuesday, Chamisa said he presented his party position to former South Africa President Thabo Mbeki who came to Zimbabwe last month to start the process of dialogue between Chamisa and Mnangagwa.
“I am on the touchline and warming up to lead the country and President Mnangagwa can step aside and leave me to lead the country, pending the elections. It is one the matters we briefed Mbeki about,” Chamisa said.
He added: “This is going to be a year of demonstrations and we are going to be calling to come out to demonstrate. We are not going to be intimidated by the police and it must be known to Zanu PF who are reluctant to see us demonstrating that it is our right to demonstrate.”
The MDC leader said he presented his case to Mbeki and accepted to meet Mnangagwa face-to-face.
“I have extended a hand to meet Mnangagwa and President Mbeki knows our position which we presented to him that I am ready to meet Mnangagwa one to one and have genuine dialogue underwritten by an international mediator and Mnangagwa told Mbeki that he needs to consult his party members whether he can meet me alone,” Chamisa said.
“I am not going to be participating in the Political Actors Dialogue with other small political parties and this is our position and we are now waiting to hear from Mbeki on the way forward.”
He said the issue legitimacy should be on the agenda between him and President Mnangagwa and that he was ready to lead a National Transitional Authority on an interim basis leading to elections.
Chamisa wants the military to be included in the dialogue to clear the air on their concerns. The army has in the past said it would not salute anyone without liberation credentials.
