All indications point to a possible general election this year, especially with the coalition government principals finding common ground on the constitutional draft. The stage has thus been set for possibly the most important general election in the life of independent Zimbabwe. The poll, if its outcome is conclusive and accepted, is set to liberate this promising country from more than a decade-long period of political and socio-economic stagnation. Sunday Opinion by Mziwandile Ndlovu
This poll will be different from recent polls in a number of ways. First, because the dominant players in the politics of the country are all currently in a unity government. None of them has the luxury of blaming the current state of affairs on a governing party. This is particularly true for the MDC formations whose major campaign fodder has been the ruinous manner in which Zanu PF has governed the country.
The former opposition movements have not come out unscathed in the court of public opinion regarding how they have fared in the inclusive government. The sentiment that they have leaped onto and have become comfortable on the gravy train is fast gaining traction on the streets, buses and bottle stores. The MDC-T, in particular, has taken serious flak from the corrupt exploits of their local government functionaries. Both MDCs need to work overtime to convince Zimbabweans why they should form the next government.
Of note also, has been the pleasing shift of national debate to policy issues, especially signified by the MDC-T’s ambitious JUICE economic blueprint. The last couple of months have seen this policy being extensively critiqued, particularly in comparison with Zanu PF’s empowerment and indigenisation policy. It has been a while, particularly at election time, since parties have gone at each other on policy issues. It appears that we are on the verge of a positive shift in our political culture. The MDC formation led by Welshman Ncube, that has yet to produce an economic plan of its own, is hard-pressed to do so.
Zanu PF, which over the years has endured plummeting popularity ratings, is enjoying sharing some of this bad publicity with their MDC counterparts. The party has also ensured that it does not go to sleep but has been using its time in the inclusive government to redeem itself. They have consistently pushed their indigenisation drive and have won significant victories that include forcing some huge corporates to cede 51% ownership to locals.
Though faced with considerable opposition, Zanu PF’s redistributive agenda has been gaining some currency in the circles of some young ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals who are building fortunes and this is likely to influence how they vote.
Candidate selection is also set to be very interesting this time around. MDC-T, who have the highest number of parliamentary seats, have particularly been accused of having poor MPs. This is largely expected to change as the party has been recruiting highly respected individuals to beef up the party ahead of elections. It is rumoured that many civil society leaders will formally join the party’s ranks and contest for seats.
Not to be outdone, Zanu PF has its own crop of Young Turks and professionals agitating for constituencies and an opportunity to lead the party’s renewal .
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Of note, has also been the energy and zeal with which Welshman Ncube’s MDC has been campaigning. The party, largely viewed as smaller and less popular than the MDC-T, has been in the villages and towns across the country almost every week canvassing for support. Ncube also scored a significant victory in getting Sadc to recognise him as a principal. He has also been breathing fire chasing other principals around Harare in a bold attempt to include himself in the principals’ meetings. While some analysts have said the party will get a few more seats as a reward for their campaigns and also capitalise on the electorate’s disillusionment with both MDC-T and Zanu PF, it remains to be seen how the “party of villagers” will fare.
Perhaps most significant is the fact that people are unlikely to vote with their stomachs this time around. With something in their tummies, people are likely to be more discerning of who they entrust with fulfilling their aspirations. Sanctions/restrictive measures are also unlikely to have any noticeable effect on the polls as their usefulness has largely dissipated and are largely compounded by Zanu PF’s new surge of confidence driven by their new found wealth in the Chiadzwa diamonds, which they largely view as their prime sanctions-busting tool. Even MDC leaders with foresight like MDC-T’s Tendai Biti have begun to publicly lobby for the removal of sanctions as they are not having their desired effect. Whichever way you look at the impending polls, they make for a mouth-watering, soapie-style plot. Let the games begin.
