Focusing on coalitions while paying lip service to voter mobilization could be suicidal for opposition parties, a social movement, Zimbabwe Yadzoka has said.
Coalition talks continue to gather momentum following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai and Joice Mujuru’s National Peoples Party as well as Professor Welshman Ncube of MDC-N.
According to Victor Chimhutu, chairperson of Zimbabwe Yadzoka/Mayibuye Zimbabwe, there is need to pump more energy towards voter mobilisation which he said will ensure victory in the 2018 elections.
“We earnestly urge opposition parties to engage in mobilization of voter since 2018 is close by.
“We have observed with concern that they seem to be now using more energy and time in the coalition dynamics,” said Chimhutu.
Zimbabwe Yadzoka is already engaging in door-to-door campaigns in rural areas, educating people on the need to register as voters.
A political activist who introduced himself as Mbeva said opposition parties should start mobilizing voters people in rural areas who are already receiving threats of violence from the ruling party members.
Mbeva accused Zanu PF of threatening people saying the newly introduced Biometric Voter Registration gives them power to see those who do not vote for the ruling party.
Wellington Nare, a Zimbabwe Yadzoka member and a political activist based in Manicaland shared the same sentiments above.
“As Zimbabwe Yadzoka, we have are already engaged in voter education in Manicaland. The aim is to sensitize people on their right to vote and the current changes in voters roll.
“Opposition parties should push to meet regional leaders as well as informal engagements with the army and people to ensure that they respect the vote of people,” he said.
