MDC Bigwig, Sesil Zvidzai Outlines Party Position On Devolution Principle

MDC senior official Sesil Zvidzai said that his party’s view of devolution is totally different to that of ZANU PF. Zvidzai is a former Gweru executive mayor and Member of Parliament. While speaking to Newsday, Zvidzai said:

There is a huge and fundamental difference between Zanu PF’s view of local governance and the MDC’s. Zanu PF believes local government exists at the will of the central government and, therefore, should account to same. They believe in centralisation with a passion.

This is why mayors have been fired left, right and everywhere. This is why local level policy positions have been wantonly trumped upon by [former Local Government ministers Ignatius] Chombo and [his successor [Saviour] Kasukuwere, among others.

This is the reason why local authorities have been suffocated through the closure of resource arteries such as vehicle licence fees and the constitutional 5%. The MDC believes in the devolution of power to sub-national governments and allowing these to govern out of their own initiative. We believe these devolved governments should first and foremost account to their electorate.

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