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IT is not a secret why Zanu-PF romped to a resounding victory in the harmonised elections; it launched a sleek campaign on the back of popular programmes and candidates. Apart from having the best manifesto in years and tangible people-centred programmes like the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme, part of the party’s success can be attributed to the manner it conducted its primary elections that were highly subscribed and gave people the candidates they wanted.
Even though allegations of rigging were made in a number of areas, which is inevitable in a contest of that magnitude, for the first time in years Zanu-PF appeared to have got its internal democratic processes right.
And supporters responded in numbers to send the MDC formations reeling to the dustbins of history from where they howl a dirge that has found no takers except among converts of illegal regime change.
But even those, as we report elsewhere in this issue, have seen the light.
It, however, appears that the lessons that should have been learnt from the primary elections and harmonised polls experience went unheeded in light of events that characterised Zanu-PF’s provincial elections in Manicaland, the Midlands and Mashonaland Central where irregularities and all manner of ills were cited leaving the losing candidates and their backers aggrieved.
Indeed, President Mugabe is said to have pointed out that while Zanu-PF was ready for internal democracy, some in leadership were not. And we couldn’t agree more with him going by what transpired in provincial elections held in the three provinces where some in leadership appeared to believe democracy is what they said it was.
This retrogressive chef syndrome was manifest in two ways:
Firstly, in the belief that supporters should repose their faith in certain individuals first, and then in the party second or as an afterthought. And, secondly, that supporters should pledge their loyalty to the party through those in leadership.
This chef syndrome is inimical to the growth and popularity of the revolutionary party as it fosters a “Them and Us” scenario where instead of serving the people, the chefs expect to be served by the people. A sure recipe for disaster.
Zanu-PF has a perfect chance to bury the MDC formations for good by giving the grassroots the right to choose their leaders without hindrance.
This is not to say we doubt that the three comrades who were declared winners in Manicaland, the Midlands and Mashonaland Central were not deserved winners, far from it, but their victory should not be tainted by needless irregularities that only serve to disenchant the grassroots.
It is said a bad experience is wasted if nothing useful is learnt from it, and we hope that going into the remaining seven provinces, the irregularities that afflicted Manicaland, the Midlands and Mashonaland Central will be a thing of the past.
The provincial elections are crucial as they are bringing forth teams that will drive party programmes and campaigns going into Election 2018. They are no laughing matter as detractors have refused to concede, and are indeed regrouping even outside known vassals.
Zanu-PF must be wary of scoring needless own goals that only serve to draw the MDC-T back into the game.
Online Reporter