Opinion / Columnist
Zanu-PF is a grand master of organised disorder - Jambanja
21 Jun 2013 at 12:14hrs | Views
The furore caused by the sudden announcement of the election date is a ploy by Zanu-PF to confuse the opposition and electorate. Already Tsvangirai is contemplating an election boycott. Opposition parties are now focusing on the Constitutional Court appeal. What is cardinal is to encourage supporters to register before the elections.
The reforms the opposition is focusing on will not be achieved in two weeks. SADC's recommendation was for the state to seek an extension beyond the 31 July by at least two weeks. The two weeks, if granted would be a meaningless victory.
We should remember that Mugabe can rule by decree after the dissolution of the current parliament. Therefore, asking for elections to be held further down the line will leave us on the mercy of the presidential powers Mugabe can wield.
If Zanu -PF hardliners cannot make reforms in thirty years, what can make them comply within two weeks? At least, the reforms should have been done during the four years of the GNU. Zanu-PF is not keen to make the reforms as the current state of affairs suits their game plan. One does not bite the hand that feeds him or her.
Morgan Tsvangirai and the other opposition political leaders should not waste precious time crying "the wolf". They should be running on the ground, encouraging their supporters to register as voters. The elections are on their way and Zanu-PF is strategising.
History has shown us that Zanu - PF is a political party that thrives in times of crises and chaos. We are waking up to a situation we do not like. Boycotting the elections, Zanu-PF will prevail. Participating in the elections without reforms, Zanu-PF will prevail. The democratic forces can only prevail if we all register to vote, approach the elections as a grand coalition and vote wisely. A resounding victory against Zanu-PF is what we need to avoid another GNU. Numbers do not lie.
Despite our quest for free and fair elections, some of us, for the entire duration of our written or known history; had not been allowed to exercise our suffrage without enduring pain, grief, loss and sorrow.
This is not the time to castigate Tsvangirai. This is not the time to preach the politics of hate. We must accept opinions and political views of other Zimbabweans without resorting to verbal abuse.
It is crucial for the interests of all Zimbabweans that future elections are free and fair. The Zimbabwean government should ensure that those responsible for any violence are held accountable and that the media can operate free of harassment. The long suffering, freedom loving and peaceful Zimbabweans should refrain from violence. We must condemn and deplore the use of violence against citizens voicing their opinion in Zimbabwe. Register to vote and vote wisely.
Source - Tendai Kwari
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