Fellow Citizens,
The circumstances of the Norton By-Elections were an eye opener to all Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora. A number of facts were laid bare by the elections. The first obvious point being that less than 50% of registered voters participated in the election. Second being that had the MDC-T or ZimPF fielded a candidate, Zanu PF would have won.
One area where elections are rigged is when registered voters fail to exercise their democratic right. If we have 50% voter apathy in a general election, there will be enough room for rigging to be effected. A split opposition also makes rigging easier as the computations become easy to those who add ballots in the middle of the night.
For a lot of Zimbabweans, there is only one desired outcome in 2018 elections. We would like to see, for the first time in 38 years, Zanu PF joining the ranks of opposition parties. We need a new order, a new vision, and a new government. This is the desired outcome for many, including a number of Zanu PF supporters, who are suffering today.
This outcome will not be achieved by a split opposition. All opposition political parties in Zimbabwe, large and small, must come together and form one front that will face Zanu PF in 2018. It is now time for us to reject partisan politics and become nationalists. It is now time to throw away our selfishness and act in the best interests of our families, friends and colleagues.
It is heartening to see that the debate for a coalition has gone up to various opposition party leaders. However the issue of who will lead the coalition is definitely going to make the whole dream a still-birth if parties and leaders continue on the current path. Selfish interests will take over, if they have not done so already, and will lead to partisan approach to this key national development.
It is my view that the coalition must be led by someone outside any of the current opposition political parties. Indeed we can all debate on the attributes of the candidate but broadly, we need someone who will only lead the coalition for one election cycle, from 2018 to 2023. The individual should be financially stable and a proven leader possibly in business or civic community.
The right candidate should have gravitas in the international community and a very strong moral code. This is so because after being elected into office as the President of the coalition in 2018, he/she will be responsible for economic revival and implementation of electoral reforms for the 2023 plebiscite. This is over and above working closely with all parties in the coalition in that period.
The right candidate will eliminate bickering amongst parties leading to the 2018 election. All parties will be able to work together seamlessly understanding the goal. The electorate will also not be split along partisan lines. Parties can allocate amongst themselves Senate, Member of Parliament and Councillors for the 2018 elections to their agreed criteria.
It is my view that Strive Masiyiwa and Dr Nkosana Moyo may be good characters to create a template for Coalition President. In fact, with luck, maybe one of them may agree to take this caretaker role for our democracy.
Notably, parties will go back to their true selves as the country moves towards 2023 elections. Parties should also try to give the Coalition President as much room as possible to nominate his/her team. Ideally, Presidents of parties should not be in the Presidium of the coalition. This will reduce bickering and accusations of partisan decisions within the coalition.
The citizens of Zimbabwe must demand a coalition along these conditions. We need a new order and a chance for our country to begin moving in a progressive direction. Opposition leaders must give this idea a chance and stop their grandstanding and partisan approach in matters affecting the welfare of Zimbabweans.
After all, it is for five years while we address key aspects of our budding democracy.
Fungai Chiposi, Mr.
Citizen
