THIS week’s unexpected coming together of Zanu PF’s political opponents, calling for a united front against the Constitutional Court ruling on polls became a big talking point in Zimbabwe yesterday as people from all walks of life spoke of the possibility of a grand coalition to dislodge President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF from power.
Report by Political Editor
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T, the Welshman Ncube-led MDC, Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn headed by former Finance minister Simba Makoni, Zapu led by former Home Affairs minister Dumiso Dabengwa and Reketayi Semwayo’s Zanu Ndonga joined forces on Wednesday to resist Zanu PF’s attempts to push for polls without agreed reforms.
In a snap survey conducted by NewsDay, some Zimbabweans described the coalition as “the doctor’s prescription” while others saw it as a damp squib.
“This kind of situation is God-sent,” said businessman George Mungoni. “This is the only opportunity we have to remove Zanu PF. This rare phenomenon should be extended right up to the polls. If there is ever a golden opportunity, it’s this one. They should unite to defeat a common enemy and sort out their differences on a give-and-take basis later.”
Sherene Waine, a housewife, also expressed optimism that the parties would unite at the polls and field a single candidate for the presidential election.
“There is always hope they will unite at the polls. God has put people in place and I think it will work out for the benefit of us all. Where there is unity, there is no division and it helps,” she said.
Others, however, were pessimistic the parties would combine forces at elections.
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“I don’t see them uniting considering the polarity between leaders like (Morgan) Tsvangirai and Welshman (Ncube) in particular. This (unity) however, would be ideal if they are serious about removing Zanu PF from power. But still I believe Zanu PF will not win as they have not done anything for the people other than looting,” said John Chitsa, an indigenous entrepreneur.
But Mazowe-based farmer Innocent Musika thought otherwise and blasted Zanu PF’s opponents over what he perceived as double speech.
“They are missing the point here. These are the same people who make so much noise about the so called lack of rule of law in Zimbabwe. The Constitutional Court, which is the highest court of the land, has made a ruling compelling the country to go for polls before July 31 and this position has got to be respected by all. They should have dealt with their concerns over the roadmap long ago,” he said.
