Editor’s Memo: Put national interest first

By Faith Zaba | Sep. 1, 2023

CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba told a news conference that the electoral process was flawed. His party wants new polls.

POLITICS, just like religion is highly emotive. This is why the political and religious cleavages will remain forever.

Deep polarisation has been a mainstay in Zimbabwean political matrixes. From the ruinous reign of Robert Mugabe to the Second Republic; there is one common denominator — political divisions.

Zimbabweans are deeply divided on partisan lines.

Worse so even now when the nation has emerged from tightly contested polls in which the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) declared late Saturday that President Emmerson Mnangagwa won by 52,6%, while his long-time nemesis Nelson Chamisa of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) got 44%.

Zanu PF slightly failed to get a two-thirds majority in Parliament as it won 136 seats, while CCC has 73. Both Zanu PF and CCC were spoilers in each other’s strongholds.

CCC has complained of brazen electoral inefficiencies by Zec as some polling stations in the capital and Bulawayo received ballot papers well after dusk, in what political science professor Jonathan Moyo said was a “primitive voter suppression strategy”.

Observer missions’ preliminary reports raised a red flag over some shortcomings, which made the voting process “dubious”. The usually gutless Sadc election observer mission developed some sting, much to the chagrin of Zanu PF. But despite the adverse observers’ comments, they also acknowledged peace compared to previous polls.

However, the battle continues. Zimbabwe is on knife edge as CCC rejects the outcome. CCC is demanding fresh elections supervised by Sadc and the African Union, to which Zanu PF will not relent outside a legal process.

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There is heightened uncertainty due to political tensions.

CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba told a news conference that the electoral process was flawed. His party wants new polls.

Chamisa had no kind words. He has described the presidential election result as a “blatant and gigantic fraud”.

On the other hand Zanu PF is celebrating the “big win”. Even other Heads of State from several nations have congratulated Mnangagwa.

In fact, there are preparations for the president-elect’s inauguration tentatively slated for next week.

So, it’s a stalemate.

But in all the high political drama, what is worrying is some political activists, most of whom are based in the Diaspora, are circulating messages on social media calling for protests for fresh elections.

Zimbabwe is at cross-roads.

Politicians are holding the nation at ransom.

Let me state emphatically that as we reflect on the elections, there is need to be mindful of nation building and improving the livelihoods of the ordinary people. Politicians must stop being selfish and burn bridges.

Remember the August 1 2018 deadly protests, where soldiers killed six unarmed citizens.

My point is Zimbabweans want peace.

People want money in their pockets. The priority is to fend for families; to put food on the table.

Whatever outstanding issues must be resolved peacefully or through legal channels.

Business leaders said politicians must swiftly resolve any dispute before it affects the economy.

Association for Business in Zimbabwe chief executive officer Victor Nyoni said authorities have a duty to quickly solve any political impasse. Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said political actors must put the nation’s interest first.

He said the deadlock was slowly impacting on the struggling economy. Professional Business Association of Zimbabwe director Lucky Mlilo said stability was key for economic growth.

Thus, politics and the economy are Siamese twins. This means we need an urgent way forward that prioritises national interest, stability, and unity. Political leaders must be cautious. They have to refrain from inflammatory language.

There are several options up for consideration. One way is for Zanu PF to invite CCC to the table to heal the political divide. The other is for the opposition to accept the results and engage the ruling party.

Maintaining peace and stability is a shared responsibility of all Zimbabweans.

Resorting to violence only exacerbates the crisis. And we condemn any violent protests in strongest terms.

Give diplomacy a chance. At least Zimbabweans deserve this after decades of suffering in economic quagmire. The country's stability is intrinsically linked to its economic health. Prolonged political crises have undesired severe repercussions on the economy, including reduced investor confidence, capital flight, and disruptions to essential services.

Political leaders must engage in genuine dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

Public statements should prioritise unity over incendiary rhetoric.

We want peace and economic progress in Zimbabwe, not risky political grandstanding and violent protests.