Is it going to be another missed chance?

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By Joram Nyathi

THIS is a subject I wouldn’t want to write on again soon — the issue of a united opposition as Zimbabweans go into the synchronised elections next week. But not to do one last time before this definitive election would be to betray my conscience.

I am embarrassed by those in the MDC who still believe that instead of focusing on winning the elections, they need to demonstrate which is the “real” MDC. Then what happens after the opposition “loses” again?

The reason I am writing on this subject is because I believe there is still a chance for those who have put themselves forward to lead this nation to come together if they are sincere in their calls for change.

I am pessimistic about the chances of a divided opposition winning against the ruling Zanu PF and President Robert Mugabe, just like I have reservations about those so optimistic about victory that they have closed their ears to any other ideas. Divisions only serve to show that our suffering is taken as no more than a campaign tool, not something which calls for immediate relief.

The single-candidate principle was the best idea the MDC ever came up with since the “split” of 2005. Zanu PF can afford to be divided and take whatever gamble they want. They have been in existence for nearly four decades and have been in power for 28 years. Zanu PF has access to state resources.

To all intents and purposes, Zanu PF is in charge of the entire electoral process, whatever the fanciful wishes of those who imagine that reality can be changed overnight to suit their whims. It is the reality, however ugly and unpalatable. It can be pushed and Thabo Mbeki blamed for his failed mediation effort, but the net effect at this stage is academic. The MDC and its civic society partners cannot completely escape blame for the outcome of Saturday’s elections.

A united opposition will be more focused; it will also maximise the use of its resources. A united opposition will minimise the confusion which the electorate is facing now about who to vote for; it is the same story about dividing the vote.

There will be the usual recrimination between the “rebels” who broke away and Morgan Tsvangirai and those around him who are against unity. But that is not what the people of Zimbabwe are interested in. They want a better life, yet those who promise to bring change cannot think beyond their personal interests. They want solutions to their problems; they wouldn’t care less who is in State House.

The opposition and civic society will be among the first to tell the “international community” about how the vote was “rigged” while they play innocent victims of an evil regime. That is not what the people of Zimbabwe want. They are not interested in Kenya-style threats of violence, and definitely are not interested in more sanctions on Zimbabwe. They are desperate for a leader who has a vision; one who can find an end to their toil. I have doubts that a divided opposition can deliver that.

If we all agree that there is no politician worth dying for, why should the electorate risk their lives on the streets to get into power leaders who cannot cut a bit of their ego to put the national interest first? People can support the case if they believe those who claim to have been cheated of victory had done all in their power to work as a team towards a common goal.

It is far easier for politicians to allege “rigging” and other electoral malpractices, but these have proved difficult to demonstrate. It has happened in the past. It can happen again. But people will be able to tell who betrayed them when they refused to work as a team. Even when allegations of rigging or violence are made, it is vital for the parties to speak with one voice from the same corner.

What I find most intriguing is that the same politicians who tell us they want to give us a united Zimbabwe are unable to work together. So what constitutes unity if leaders cannot see the need to lead by example? What is its value? To me this is not the stuff national leaders are made of, not even if they win elections. We saw it at Independence in 1980. The template hasn’t changed.

I almost despair when people spend their campaign time showing us raw sewage and being expert on inflation and unemployment figures. Who in this country feels the pangs of hunger more than the poor who are being asked to go and vote? But do the same people feel that those who promise them a better tomorrow are committed to better values or that they are opportunists besotted with power? Are the politicians canvassing our vote committed to nation-building or is their focus on courting international opinion to endorse whatever they want said about the outcome of next week’s elections?

For, in the end, it looks like there is more energy invested in identifying technical impediments to an opposition win, instead of concerted mobilisation of voters for, victory. The Patriotic Front won in 1980 in spite of, not because there were no obstacles in its path.

In the shallow, angry campaign speeches even noble ideals such as a better education and improved health sound like epithets — one does not feel the sincere heart, generous spirit or noble mind behind the words.

It’s a disaster for the nation that, faced with the current economic ruin, President Mugabe still stands a chance of winning elections because opposition leaders are too arrogant to accommodate each other and work as a team.

Rukweza is a sub-editor for the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper
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