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DOP leader slams Zimbabwe opposition
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Harry Peter Wilson, the founder and leader of the Democratic Official Party (DOP), has delivered a scathing critique of Zimbabwe's opposition parties, accusing them of failing to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF party effectively while also condemning the state of governance in the country. Wilson's remarks come amidst growing concerns over Zimbabwe's deepening economic stagnation, widespread corruption, and political turmoil.
Wilson, who contested the controversial August 2023 presidential elections, pointed to the opposition's failure to hold Zanu-PF accountable, calling out party leaders for prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of the nation. He argued that opposition parties had betrayed Zimbabweans by failing to live up to their promises and by contributing to the country's economic and social disarray.
In an exclusive interview with NewsDay, Wilson stated that the opposition had "foisted a family-dominated leadership" and lacked vision for the country's future. He also criticized the opposition for derailing one of Africa's best constitutions, highlighting their inability to counter the ruling party's grip on power.
"Zimbabweans have been frog-marched into believing in a genuine opposition, but what we've had are fake leaders prioritizing self-gain over the people's needs," Wilson said. "The opposition has failed to hold Zanu-PF accountable and has instead focused on their own selfish interests — that's why we are in this mess."
Wilson's comments came as Zanu-PF continues to rally behind the ED2030 campaign, which calls for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028. This move, spearheaded by Mnangagwa loyalists, has drawn widespread concern from opposition parties and Zimbabweans wary of political manipulation.
In the midst of these political struggles, Zimbabwe's economy continues to face major challenges, including the closure of formal businesses, a weakening domestic currency, and rampant corruption. Wilson criticized both Zanu-PF and the opposition for failing to address these issues, citing collapsing industries and an agricultural sector that is not performing optimally.
"The country is in tatters," Wilson remarked. "We've seen industries collapsing, agriculture struggling, and nothing meaningful being done to rectify these issues. Instead, what we see is politicians enriching themselves while ordinary people suffer."
Wilson also expressed dissatisfaction with the current political climate, which he described as offering no real alternatives to the country's problems. He urged Zimbabweans to reject the "selfish" interests of the political elites and embrace a new way forward, one rooted in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the people.
"We must reject leaders who seek power for personal gain and embrace a future where the people's interests come first," Wilson said, while outlining DOP's vision for Zimbabwe. The DOP plans to focus on key issues such as employment creation, economic stabilization, healthcare reform, education, revitalization of agriculture and industry, and enhancing international relations.
Wilson also took aim at the push to extend the presidential term, calling it a dangerous move that could exploit the public's trust. He warned that "selfish and misguided politicians" could use this campaign to manipulate the public, further entrenching their hold on power.
"We are at a crossroads," he said. "The choices we make now will shape our nation's destiny for generations. Zimbabweans must rise above the political deception and embrace a true democracy — one that places the needs of the people at the center."
In closing, Wilson urged Zimbabweans to critically evaluate the promises of political parties and avoid falling for recycled narratives. "This is a defining moment for Zimbabwe. We must save lives to save our nation. Zimbabweans deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs, not the selfish ambitions of a few," he declared.
As Zimbabwe heads toward its next political chapter, Wilson and his DOP continue to position themselves as champions of a new era — one based on integrity, accountability, and genuine service to the people.
Wilson, who contested the controversial August 2023 presidential elections, pointed to the opposition's failure to hold Zanu-PF accountable, calling out party leaders for prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of the nation. He argued that opposition parties had betrayed Zimbabweans by failing to live up to their promises and by contributing to the country's economic and social disarray.
In an exclusive interview with NewsDay, Wilson stated that the opposition had "foisted a family-dominated leadership" and lacked vision for the country's future. He also criticized the opposition for derailing one of Africa's best constitutions, highlighting their inability to counter the ruling party's grip on power.
"Zimbabweans have been frog-marched into believing in a genuine opposition, but what we've had are fake leaders prioritizing self-gain over the people's needs," Wilson said. "The opposition has failed to hold Zanu-PF accountable and has instead focused on their own selfish interests — that's why we are in this mess."
Wilson's comments came as Zanu-PF continues to rally behind the ED2030 campaign, which calls for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028. This move, spearheaded by Mnangagwa loyalists, has drawn widespread concern from opposition parties and Zimbabweans wary of political manipulation.
In the midst of these political struggles, Zimbabwe's economy continues to face major challenges, including the closure of formal businesses, a weakening domestic currency, and rampant corruption. Wilson criticized both Zanu-PF and the opposition for failing to address these issues, citing collapsing industries and an agricultural sector that is not performing optimally.
Wilson also expressed dissatisfaction with the current political climate, which he described as offering no real alternatives to the country's problems. He urged Zimbabweans to reject the "selfish" interests of the political elites and embrace a new way forward, one rooted in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the people.
"We must reject leaders who seek power for personal gain and embrace a future where the people's interests come first," Wilson said, while outlining DOP's vision for Zimbabwe. The DOP plans to focus on key issues such as employment creation, economic stabilization, healthcare reform, education, revitalization of agriculture and industry, and enhancing international relations.
Wilson also took aim at the push to extend the presidential term, calling it a dangerous move that could exploit the public's trust. He warned that "selfish and misguided politicians" could use this campaign to manipulate the public, further entrenching their hold on power.
"We are at a crossroads," he said. "The choices we make now will shape our nation's destiny for generations. Zimbabweans must rise above the political deception and embrace a true democracy — one that places the needs of the people at the center."
In closing, Wilson urged Zimbabweans to critically evaluate the promises of political parties and avoid falling for recycled narratives. "This is a defining moment for Zimbabwe. We must save lives to save our nation. Zimbabweans deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs, not the selfish ambitions of a few," he declared.
As Zimbabwe heads toward its next political chapter, Wilson and his DOP continue to position themselves as champions of a new era — one based on integrity, accountability, and genuine service to the people.
Source - newsday
