The Big Issues of the 2018 Campaign

After many elections dominated by politics, ZANU PF has made 2018 elections to be economic issues, it will be an election dominated by economic issues. In the past voters consistently rank the politics of the day as an issue, but the new dispensation has made economy as their top concern, and the party must put dollars and cents at the centre of their campaigns.

But far from offering a clear advantage to one party, the economy offers risks and opportunities for all the candidates. Unless things change significantly in the next 4 months, the economy is neither good enough nor bad enough to provide either side with an advantage. It is a fact that the economy has improved dramatically under President Mnangagwa. Corporate profits and financial markets have both rebounded strongly from their recession-era lows, and overall economic output has been resilient in the face of challenges domestic and foreign. All of that should work to the advantage of the party that has controlled the State House for the past hundred days.

But MDC T hasn't seemed eager to embrace ZANU PF's legacy. They take every opportunity to rail against an economy that benefits the majority of Zimbabweans. And though Mnangagwa is more measured, he has sounded business like when he said the economy "still isn't delivering" for ordinary Zimbabwean. There's no mystery about why we are being cautious.

Zimbabweans remain uneasy about the economy, even if they have sanguine in recent years. That dissatisfaction is driven by a harsh reality: thirty seven -plus years after independence there has been no meaningful recovery in household income.

The opposition clearly see an opening. Candidate after candidate blamed Mugabe and for stagnant wages, persistent inequality and lacklustre economic growth. Zimbabwean dream is "slipping away but Mnangagwa promised to "get this economy moving again."

Then there's the big matter of cash crisis, which struck under ZANU PF watch and sparked the worst recession since the Great Depression of 2008. ZANU PF doesn't necessarily deserve much blame for the economic collapse; Tsvangirai and his crew begged for sanctions to punish the common Zimbabwean, but MDC T haven't been shy about reminding voters who was in office when it happened.

ZANU PF politics has shifted from mere talk to action. It has taken this long to realise that talk is cheap and our President is acting and walking the talk. Never mind the scuff it does not reflect our action, it simply warms up to the heat of action.

The ZANU PF administration has promised to overhaul the Justice system and makes it fast and efficient. The formation of a court dedicated solely to prosecute corrupt high profile figures shows that the talk against corruption is more than a talk. It is actually action. The prosecution department is a bit disappointing, but God willing the culprits will see the doors of jail and give confidence in our economy sooner than later.

Those in charge of prosecution forget that they are there to oversee due process and to swiftly deal with decay. But they seem to be telling the politician what they want not to execute what they must. Corruption in both Justice and Political systems will cos us votes if not dealt with now. The soaring price of drugs and the price of health care is an issue which will be in people's minds towards the elections. Pharmaceutical companies and hospitals are under fire for jacking up prices for new and generic drugs. Poll after poll shows that high drug prices are the leading health care concern in the country. The majority of people think pharmaceutical companies are to blame and that the government should negotiate prices for medical treatment and force companies to release pricing information. Private hospitals are mushrooming and the same doctors who work in the private sector are the ones who work in the public sector. The chances of them jeopardising the public health for their benefit is high.

it is said some drug companies have engaged in "pure profiteering," and it was "disgusting" that one company wanted to raise the price on an AIDS drug. Everyone is worried about the issue, there are few concrete policy solutions to rally around or divide people politically. That makes it a net benefit for politicians to express concern about the issue, whether or not they have a plan for how to fix it.

Calls to restructure Medical care, for the nation will also turn up in the elections and beyond.

The public insurance program for poor people and people with disabilities must be introduced. There must be a health levy in the same ways as the Aids levy minus corruption.   

Job creation must be a serious priority, Zimbabwe is a land of opportunities and it must be allowed to feed its people. Those who fought for our freedom must not be greedy they must include those they fought for in the national cake.

It has become clear that in these elections ZANU PF has the people at heart and MDC T has removing ZANU PF at heart. There is no plan for recovery forwarded by the opposition except the tired song which says ZANU PF must go.

It is therefore important to put your vote where your future is. Remember the best wine is the old wine.

vazet2000@yahoo.co.uk