BULAWAYO - Welshman Ncube, leader of the smaller MDC by legislative representation, has called on Sadc and African Union(AU) to mediate and break the logjam in the constitution-making process.

Speaking at a rally in Emakhandeni suburb in Bulawayo over the weekend, Ncube said negotiations over the new constitution have failed and the only way out is for Sadc and AU to intervene.

“If you look at the changes that Zanu PF wants in the draft constitution it tells you that they want the new constitution to be their party manifesto,” Ncube said.

“Where in this world have you seen the supreme law of the land being a party manifesto?

“We will never allow Zanu PF to write their manifesto in the constitution.

“What we have said as a party is that Sadc and AU, the guarantors of the Global Political Agreement should come and mediate in this crisis because we cannot allow Chatunga’s father (President Robert Mugabe) to write his own constitution.

“We call upon (Jacob) Zuma and (Jakaya) Kikwete the chairperson of the Sadc troika to come and resolve the constitution crisis because as guarantors they have a responsibility in making sure that the election roadmap is implemented.”

Ncube alleged that Zanu PF’s attempt to continue negotiating on the new constitution is a ploy to buy time and stage elections without reforms.

Responding to a challenge by Mines minister Obert Mpofu to square off in an election, Ncube said Mpofu should become a presidential candidate first because he is coming to Umguza — the Mines minister’s parliamentary seat — as a presidential candidate.

Mpofu, a month ago declared that he will win the Umguza seat and if any of the MDC factions wanted to field candidates to challenge him, they should send their party leaders.

Ncube urged youths to go and vote in their millions.

He also called upon the police to be non-partisan and stop dabbling into politics.

“When we want to do a door-to-door campaign we have to notify the police,” Ncube said.

“Where on earth have you seen a person seeking permission from the police to talk to a neighbour?

“This is abnormal and that is why we are saying we need the election roadmap to be fully implemented so that we can freely canvass for support.” - Lloyd Mbiba