Party says polls should be held this year

participation, the Zimbabwe Development Party said yesterday.
ZDP said it concurred with Zanu-PF that elections should be held this year contrary to MDC-T’s stance to delay the polls.
Zanu-PF has said it stands by the Mutare People’s Conference resolution that elections should be held this year immediately after the completion of the constitution making process.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, ZDP secretary general Reverend Everisto Chikanga, said there was no going back on elections as the inclusive Government had outlived its lifespan. He said while his party was “only” waiting for President Mugabe to proclaim the date for the elections, other political parties should not be influenced by the MDC-T to boycott the polls.
“The inclusive Government has had its lifespan and we are saying it’s now time to live with one leader. The issue of elections depends on the electorate and there is no doubt that people have been let down by this joint Government.
“It is everyone’s right to vote and it has become clear that the MDC-T is afraid of being defeated in the elections as they continue cowering away. Zimbabweans are peace-loving people and elections have always been free and fair so there is no need to fear. If they want they can join in the race but if they don’t want that does not mean the country comes to a standstill because of (Mr) Tsvangirai,” he said.
He said Britain and its Western allies should not be allowed to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.
“There must be no interference from foreigners. We must decide the future of our country because we are the owners of the country. There are a lot of people out there who want to hijack our election process but we will not sit back and relax. The era of colonialism is over,” he said.