Gweru (New Ziana) – The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) has finally joined the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a grouping of the main political parties created to foster national unity,and contribute ideas to the country’s governance.
Trust Chikohora, a senior Polad official, said the group welcomed MDC-T’s decision, noting this will help ensure peace as the country heads for general elections next year.
Through the Polad platform, all political parties contribute ideas to the running of the country, and helps inculcate a culture of political tolerance and national unity.
After a year staying on the fence, MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora finally joined Polad last Friday, and attended its executive plenary meeting at State House in Harare chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In August 2021, the MDC-T leader was invited to join Polad but turned down the offer. He, however, had a change of heart last Friday when he joined the platform.
Mwonzora’s agreement to join Polad now only leaves Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa outside the platform.
“Yes, it’s true, he (Mwonzora) was there (at the executive plenary meeting). We welcome all political leaders into Polad so that we can all contribute to the development of our country,” Trust Chikohora, a senior Polad official, said.
“We hope those that have not yet come will do so in due course. It’s never too late to make the right decision.”
At Friday’s meeting, President Mnangagwa commended Polad for playing a critical role in nation building and pushing the Second Republic’s development agenda.
Mwonzora and Professor Lovemore Madhuku, a long serving Polad member, noted progress that had been made in uniting the people of Zimbabwe despite political affiliation.
Among other things, Chikohora said Polad had so far contributed to the formation of the Electoral Amendment Bill and the country’s monetary policies.
New Ziana
