Harare demo latest: Tsvangirai endorsed today, Mugabe on notice to leave

The union of Zimbabwe opposition parties also known as NERA staged protests in Harare against decision by the Mugabe regime to procure biometric voter registration kits without the involvement of the United Nations Development Programme.

Former former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, former finance minister Tendai Biti and former CIO boss Dydimus Mutasa  are among the opposition leaders that addressed people today in Harare protests.

The march was also attended by Thisflag activist Evan Mawarire, Promise Mkwananzi of Tajamuka and a number of opposition entities.

Talking points:

• Joice Mujuru’s PDP party was NOT at the opposition protest. No official came to represent the party
• Tsvangirai gets endorsement from Ndonga official Sengwayo to lead coalition against Mugabe
• Tendai Biti says Mugabe is now on notice to leave power
• Mutasa endorses Tsvangirai to lead grand coalition
• Tsvangirai warns the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and Mugabe government to be sensible- he likens ZEC to a referee who abandons his whistle and joins one of the competition teams –  in this case Zanu-PF
• Tsvangirai asks why Mugabe is afraid of wide-sweeping electoral reforms
• NERA warns Mugabe to expect more protests if he does not listen

The organisers of the demonstration have reassured authorities that this is a peaceful march.

They have also reportedly pleaded with supporters not to march into Harare CBD.

Yesterday, police decided to restrict the movement of protesters.

According to the police, Nera members should gather at Robert Mugabe Square and only 10 people will be allowed to proceed to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices and handover their petition.

After handing over the petition, the gathering must disperse immediately, police said.

Meanwhile, police have invoked the Public Order and Security Act and imposed a ban on carrying of dangerous weapons in public for the next three months in Harare suburban, Chitungwiza, Mbare and Harare South districts.