News / National
LEAKED DOCUMENT: Moyo to launch new political party
25 Mar 2018 at 08:35hrs | Views
There are reports that former MDC-T National Chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo will launch a new national political party United Movement For Devolution.
A leaked document circulating shows that Moyo is mooting to launch the UMD party this Easter holiday.
Background of the National Devolution Movement is a socio-economic and political strategy response to institutionalized marginalization of the periphery in Zimbabwe, in particular the Matabeleland region that not only suffered heavily under colonial occupation but also from the ravages of the genocidal Gukurahundi operation 1982-1987.
"It is common cause that in a society where unfair categorization and characterization of communities according to their race, tribe or language the dominant majority often uses its numerical strength to dominate and marginalize the less powerful in all spheres of life leading to radicalization of the marginalized. The politically and economically excluded communities have rightly pointed to a centralized system of government as largely responsible for their underdevelopment, marginalization and the resultant poverty and political instability. Therefore, the essence of a devolution movement is to ensure the full implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which fully guarantees devolution of some powers to provinces and local authorities," reads the document leaked.
The document say the very likely risk of ethnic conflict due to perceived State-led marginalization and economic underdevelopment of Matabeleland in particular motivated constitutional reform and a devolved system of local government.
"The Robert Mugabe government defied complying with the constitutionally prescribed devolution of power and recently the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration has even threatened to initiate a parliamentary processes to remove devolution from the constitution. It is against this background where devolution as the people's option and compromise for a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe is under threat. Therefore, this new political and economic development strategy framework should be urgently undertaken," reads the document in part.
"Accordingly, the people of Matabeleland in particular and Zimbabwe in general are called upon to participate and commit themselves to this noble and non-violent struggle for equality and justice for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or religion. The people should stand up and fight for their inalienable rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe."
The document states that while this proposed National Devolution Movement Framework for a new political paradigm shift is initially an immediate response to the Matabeleland Question, its relevance extends to Manicaland after its experience from looted Marange diamonds or unfair distribution of Chiredzi conservancies in Masvingo or the exploitation of Mutoko granite stones in Mashonaland.
"It has become crystal clear that the current national political configurations both in ruling and opposition parties relegate people from the region to deputies and never the first. UMD calls for all people be they in other political parties, Civil Society, Church Organizations, Traditional movements, former Freedom Fighters and ordinary citizens to collectively speak for and on behalf of the marginalized and underdeveloped people," reads the document circulating.
"Furthermore, it will be grossly negligent and highly irresponsible to turn a blind eye on massive violation of human rights and institutionalized marginalization perpetrated against minorities. The devolution agenda speaks to the need to restructure the country's main institutions as there is a link between institutions and development. The restructuring of institutions should ideally make them more inclusive and representative of the diversity of Zimbabweans."
"Devolution both as a development and political strategy has been successful throughout the world in preventing and managing conflict, especially in countries with diverse and heterogeneous communities. When giving legislative powers to provinces or regions, development and community participation in governance also increases tremendously. Furthermore, it has strengthened cooperative governance and ownership of development initiatives. So far the colonially inherited unitary system of government fostered tyranny, patronage and massive looting of community resources. Therefore a properly implemented devolution strategy can promote nation building, national stability, economic growth and ensure self-reliance. Actually devolution would reduce most forms of inequalities and injustices like ethnic disempowerment such as racism and tribalism that remain subtle in a supposedly free Zimbabwe."
Details of the party's mission, values, ideology among other principles are listed below.
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
This movement is founded on the principles and values of Devolution which are primarily grounded on strong and semi autonomous provinces with Legislative Authority and Local Administrative structures as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The movement shall basically be driven by five principles: DEMOCRACY, DEVOLUTION, DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY and DIGNITY for all people in their diversity.
OUR CORE VALUES include: Equality, Solidarity, Respect, Integrity and Comradeship
OUR MISSION
To establish a non-discriminatory society and promote democracy, devolution, development, economic growth, unity, love, social cohesion that will contribute to nation building.
OUR IDEOLOGY OUR VISION
An inclusive, prosperous society which embraces equal opportunities for everyone regardless of geographic location, with view of achieving a fair and just society
Strong advocates of DEVOLUTIONIST principles and values, supported by Social Democratic principles
OUR BELIEFS
We believe in equality before the law and human rights for all which can only be guaranteed by the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution. The adoption and implementation of Devolution as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe would result on equitable development and economic prosperity for all regions in our country. The respect of cultural and linguistic diversity and adherence to non-discrimination could foster a sense of belonging and patriotism which are essential for Nation Building.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To establish a Devolved National governance system with legislative power to provinces To establish equal political and development opportunities, justice and human rightsTo enhance citizen participation in their governance
To create strong independent state institutions entrenched in the national constitution of the land To build a democratic developmental state
To implement affirmative policies for the re-distribution of national resources
To implement affirmative policy for social inclusion and equalization, including redressing gender imbalances
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
We believe in a democratic and devolved system of governance
We believe in Co operative Government system between the
local Authority, Provincial and National government
We believe in an equal, fair, just and transparent society
We believe that all human beings are equal before the law
We believe in constitutionalism and respect for human rights We believe in constitutional democracy supported by an independent Parliament and Judiciary. In essence we believe in separation of powers between Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in order to create necessary checks and balances in the governance systems
We believe in Mixed Economy with strong agricultural and Manufacturing industrial base, supported by strong financial sector
We believe in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), economic prosperity as a vehicle for development and job creation
We believe in Education, backed by strong Skills Development and Vocational training institutions as means of creating a skilled labour force and entrepreneurship. We believe in independent institutions that are accountable capable of eliminating corruption. We believe in a continuous infrastructural development throughout the country. We believe in Natural Resources managed by provincial councils for the benefit of local communities. We believe in Youth Development, Women Empowerment and Gender Equality. We advocate for Religious freedoms, traditional practice and the right to worship in terms of the constitution of the land
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
We believe in a Provincial Governor directly elected by the registered voters in the province, supported by a Provincial Executive Committee {PEC} who are members of the constituted Provincial Councils {PC} appointed by the Provincial Governor {PG} with local administrative and management competency. We believe in the establishment of a Provincial Speaker {PS} elected by the members of the PC amongst themselves and report directly to the PG. We believe in a Provincial Legislative Authority(PLA) with defined provincial legislative competencies. We believe in a leaner provincial administrative structure with local competencies
We believe in a provincial budget, financed through local taxes, levies, investments and from national budget
LOCAL AUTHORITY
We believe in a directly elected Executive Mayor for the two Metropolitan cities, namely Harare and Bulawayo with agreed set population and economic base threshold. We believe that Rural District Councils (RDCs) and Town Boards should be headed by a Chairperson and Deputy elected by Councilors
A leaked document circulating shows that Moyo is mooting to launch the UMD party this Easter holiday.
Background of the National Devolution Movement is a socio-economic and political strategy response to institutionalized marginalization of the periphery in Zimbabwe, in particular the Matabeleland region that not only suffered heavily under colonial occupation but also from the ravages of the genocidal Gukurahundi operation 1982-1987.
"It is common cause that in a society where unfair categorization and characterization of communities according to their race, tribe or language the dominant majority often uses its numerical strength to dominate and marginalize the less powerful in all spheres of life leading to radicalization of the marginalized. The politically and economically excluded communities have rightly pointed to a centralized system of government as largely responsible for their underdevelopment, marginalization and the resultant poverty and political instability. Therefore, the essence of a devolution movement is to ensure the full implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which fully guarantees devolution of some powers to provinces and local authorities," reads the document leaked.
The document say the very likely risk of ethnic conflict due to perceived State-led marginalization and economic underdevelopment of Matabeleland in particular motivated constitutional reform and a devolved system of local government.
"The Robert Mugabe government defied complying with the constitutionally prescribed devolution of power and recently the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration has even threatened to initiate a parliamentary processes to remove devolution from the constitution. It is against this background where devolution as the people's option and compromise for a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe is under threat. Therefore, this new political and economic development strategy framework should be urgently undertaken," reads the document in part.
"Accordingly, the people of Matabeleland in particular and Zimbabwe in general are called upon to participate and commit themselves to this noble and non-violent struggle for equality and justice for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or religion. The people should stand up and fight for their inalienable rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe."
The document states that while this proposed National Devolution Movement Framework for a new political paradigm shift is initially an immediate response to the Matabeleland Question, its relevance extends to Manicaland after its experience from looted Marange diamonds or unfair distribution of Chiredzi conservancies in Masvingo or the exploitation of Mutoko granite stones in Mashonaland.
"It has become crystal clear that the current national political configurations both in ruling and opposition parties relegate people from the region to deputies and never the first. UMD calls for all people be they in other political parties, Civil Society, Church Organizations, Traditional movements, former Freedom Fighters and ordinary citizens to collectively speak for and on behalf of the marginalized and underdeveloped people," reads the document circulating.
"Furthermore, it will be grossly negligent and highly irresponsible to turn a blind eye on massive violation of human rights and institutionalized marginalization perpetrated against minorities. The devolution agenda speaks to the need to restructure the country's main institutions as there is a link between institutions and development. The restructuring of institutions should ideally make them more inclusive and representative of the diversity of Zimbabweans."
Details of the party's mission, values, ideology among other principles are listed below.
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
This movement is founded on the principles and values of Devolution which are primarily grounded on strong and semi autonomous provinces with Legislative Authority and Local Administrative structures as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The movement shall basically be driven by five principles: DEMOCRACY, DEVOLUTION, DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY and DIGNITY for all people in their diversity.
OUR CORE VALUES include: Equality, Solidarity, Respect, Integrity and Comradeship
OUR MISSION
To establish a non-discriminatory society and promote democracy, devolution, development, economic growth, unity, love, social cohesion that will contribute to nation building.
OUR IDEOLOGY OUR VISION
An inclusive, prosperous society which embraces equal opportunities for everyone regardless of geographic location, with view of achieving a fair and just society
Strong advocates of DEVOLUTIONIST principles and values, supported by Social Democratic principles
OUR BELIEFS
We believe in equality before the law and human rights for all which can only be guaranteed by the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution. The adoption and implementation of Devolution as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe would result on equitable development and economic prosperity for all regions in our country. The respect of cultural and linguistic diversity and adherence to non-discrimination could foster a sense of belonging and patriotism which are essential for Nation Building.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To establish a Devolved National governance system with legislative power to provinces To establish equal political and development opportunities, justice and human rightsTo enhance citizen participation in their governance
To create strong independent state institutions entrenched in the national constitution of the land To build a democratic developmental state
To implement affirmative policies for the re-distribution of national resources
To implement affirmative policy for social inclusion and equalization, including redressing gender imbalances
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
We believe in a democratic and devolved system of governance
We believe in Co operative Government system between the
local Authority, Provincial and National government
We believe in an equal, fair, just and transparent society
We believe that all human beings are equal before the law
We believe in constitutionalism and respect for human rights We believe in constitutional democracy supported by an independent Parliament and Judiciary. In essence we believe in separation of powers between Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in order to create necessary checks and balances in the governance systems
We believe in Mixed Economy with strong agricultural and Manufacturing industrial base, supported by strong financial sector
We believe in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), economic prosperity as a vehicle for development and job creation
We believe in Education, backed by strong Skills Development and Vocational training institutions as means of creating a skilled labour force and entrepreneurship. We believe in independent institutions that are accountable capable of eliminating corruption. We believe in a continuous infrastructural development throughout the country. We believe in Natural Resources managed by provincial councils for the benefit of local communities. We believe in Youth Development, Women Empowerment and Gender Equality. We advocate for Religious freedoms, traditional practice and the right to worship in terms of the constitution of the land
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
We believe in a Provincial Governor directly elected by the registered voters in the province, supported by a Provincial Executive Committee {PEC} who are members of the constituted Provincial Councils {PC} appointed by the Provincial Governor {PG} with local administrative and management competency. We believe in the establishment of a Provincial Speaker {PS} elected by the members of the PC amongst themselves and report directly to the PG. We believe in a Provincial Legislative Authority(PLA) with defined provincial legislative competencies. We believe in a leaner provincial administrative structure with local competencies
We believe in a provincial budget, financed through local taxes, levies, investments and from national budget
LOCAL AUTHORITY
We believe in a directly elected Executive Mayor for the two Metropolitan cities, namely Harare and Bulawayo with agreed set population and economic base threshold. We believe that Rural District Councils (RDCs) and Town Boards should be headed by a Chairperson and Deputy elected by Councilors
Source - Byo24News
