adminZimbabwe’s problems have been largely down to electoral squabbles since the entry of the Movement for Democratic Change onto the political stage in 1999 with supporters of the two largest parties in the country — Zanu-PF and MDC-T — trading blows each time there is an electoral contest.
Political contests are by their nature emotive affairs because of the high stakes involved and it is not surprising that each time elections are held, emotions run high, tempers flare and sometimes the ugly face of violence rears its head.
However, we feel that Zimbabweans have come of age politically and have matured enough to know that no life is worth a single vote. We contend that it is possible for this country to hold peaceful, credible and violence-free elections as long as political leaders continue preaching the message of peace and tolerance.
Despite its flaws where the race for the White House is narrowed down to only two political parties — the Democrats and the Republicans — with no room for other smaller parties — the United States has perfected the art of electioneering with President Barrack Obama and Mitt Romney expected to slug it out in presidential polls next month.
So far the contest has been confined to the level of ideas and policies with a few barbs on character flaws and misjudgment thrown in here and there for good measure. The rivalry is fierce but the contest is played out peacefully for everyone to see.
It is also election season in the world’s second biggest economy, China, where the Communist party will next month elect new leaders to lead the country for the next 10 years. China’s leadership transition is well-managed by the ruling party such that the next leader Xi Jinping — the current Vice-President — is already known. Other members of the Politburo will be unveiled next month in a smooth and well choreographed affair.
Zimbabwe is a young democracy still consolidating the gains of independence and fighting off a vicious assault on its territorial integrity and sovereignty by its erstwhile colonial masters. It is a country founded on the blood of its gallant liberation war heroes and it is in this fight to stay true to their spirits and aspirations that it finds itself having to continue the war against imperialists and former colonisers who are sponsoring proxy parties to unseat Zanu-PF.
In spite of all these forces, the country — still battling to hold its own among the community of nations — has managed to hold elections successfully without fail and when they are due since independence in 1980. The polls have largely been peaceful and the outcome deemed credible except in 2008 when the outcome was inconclusive. The country therefore has a challenge to redeem itself and hold elections that will be acceptable to our neighbours in Sadc and the African Union.
Next year’s polls present us with an opportunity to shame our detractors and consolidate the peace and stability wrought by the inclusive Government. We need to maintain peace so that we give an opportunity to the economy to grow and return the country to prosperity.
In this vein, we salute President Mugabe’s message of peace and tolerance. Addressing mourners at the burial of national hero and Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Cde Stan Mudenge in Harare on Monday, Cde Mugabe said Zimbabweans should tolerate each other’s political and social preferences ahead of harmonised elections next year. He also urged leaders to earn respect through good deeds.
“There is a need to ensure that you behave as a Zimbabwean who recognises that your nationality is also for your neighbour. Your importance is as good as your neighbour’s. Kunyangwe uri shefu, urimunhuwo. Hunhu hwako hwunofanira kuonekwa nemabasa ako.”
“We may have differences, but we are the same people. Allow others to have their own preferences . . .” he said.
“Let us recognise these virtues which make us more united than divided.”
President Mugabe added: “Let people vote the way they want to vote. Kana pane anoda kukanda vhoti yake mudziva, ndezvakewo izvo . . . . Do unto others as you would want them do unto you.”
We feel the President has thrown down the gauntlet to the other leaders of political parties to spread the message of peace further. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Professor Welshman Ncube of the other MDC formation should feel challenged enough to exhort their followers to preach peace and tolerance.
Online Reporter