Accusations of big brother mentality rocks opposition parties

Opposition parties continue to struggle to form a coalition despite claims that they would be a unified force in time for the 2018 harmonised elections. Zanu-PF has, on the other hand, continued to defend its election victory as opposition entities bicker.

Accusations of big brother mentality have also rocked opposition parties as they haggle over who should lead the alliance. Zimbabwe Development Party leader Mr Kisnot Mukwazhi said lack of common ground has hampered coalitions among opposition parties.

"We have big challenges growing much bigger as the opposition parties pursue a coalition, which is now surrounded by misunderstanding around the leaders. Some believe a coalition must be against Government only. That split of beliefs complicates possibilities to the formation of a coalition," said Mr Mukwazhi.

He said ZDP believed that a coalition should be formed based on good reasons.

"We, as a party, strongly go against the current moves by some political parties to pretend as if they have everything it takes to lead the rest of the opposition set ups. We believe in equal partnership, which will advantage every Zimbabwean. We deserve equal shares.

"We also have a serious problem with political parties whose moves are driven by foreign forces. Some political parties push hard for unconstitutional change of Government, which is illegal and treasonous," he said.

People's Democratic Party spokesperson Mr Jacob Mafume said his party had opened discussions with other political players.

"We have opened talks at an informal level with all political parties and key sectors across the board. We are engaged in intense efforts to bring the talks to a formal platform.

"We have offered support to all political parties in terms of their programmes and we have offered legal assistance across the board without discrimination. All these efforts are to create rapport and a sense that we are better off working together than divided," said Mr Mafume, whose party is led by Mr Tendai Biti.

"What needs to be done is for people to deal with egos and come up with a political roadmap with solutions to the country's (challenges)."

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu said the process of constituting a coalition will require time and effort.

"The formation of political coalitions is a process and not an event. It's like participating in a marathon and not a sprint. The MDC is exploring various permutations and combinations for the formation of a coalition that will send Zanu-PF packing in the forthcoming elections. We are getting there. People just need to be patient. At the opportune moment, an appropriate announcement shall be made," said Mr Gutu.

Spokesperson for the Professor Welshman Ncube-led MDC, Mr Kurauone Chihwayi said his party was a signatory to a coalition of political parties.

"The MDC is a signatory to the coalition of democrats (CODE), which is a rallying point for the opposition in Zimbabwe. We are a party that is well lubricated and respected by non-violent and democracy starved citizens.

"We are happy with strides and efforts made by political actors towards building a bigger political project, which is a bigger train with everyone on board.

"The coalition building process in Zimbabwe, CODE in particular, has received the blessings and anointment of many partners and all opposition forces in Zimbabwe," Mr Chihwayi said.