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Tongai Dana
Correspondent
The recognition that politics plays a central role in shaping the prospects for development in the provinces, districts and constituencies — rich or poor — constitutes one of the most significant advances that political parties and practice in Zimbabwe has made during the Second Republic.
The issue has moved from being a marginal concern to be a widespread acceptance that politics is critical to both the reduction and reproduction of poverty and not politicking, hence should be inclusive.
This is manifest in President Mnangagwa’s modus operandi.
In speech, he has always reiterated the link between development and politics and the significance of inclusive politics and inclusive development.
The President is linking politics to economic growth which will ultimately result in development if we are to take the orthodox view of development where economic investments and milestones have an effect on such development factors as health, education, working conditions and market conditions with a focus on improving people’s living conditions.
Without inclusive approaches, there is a risk of having some places better off than others, hence President Mnangagwa is on record for his inclusive politics philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
For the ZANU PF party, the issue of the centrality of politics in development and inclusive politics for inclusive development has not been in words only but action oriented.
For example, the quota system that was adopted when Zimbabwe adopted a new Constitution in 2013, as a means of addressing women’s macro and micro level needs in society, is one key inclusive politics milestone made at national political policy level.
In other countries and in various circumstances the quota system has been used to disempower and undermine women’s involvement in politics.
The coming into effect in 2013 of the women’s quota system in Zimbabwe was applauded as a progressive step towards opening up the political space to women, while also addressing women’s macro and micro societal needs. However, the 2023 elections are happening when the quota system has come to an end having been under implementation for a decade.
Whatever is happening now in terms of ensuring female participation in political processes is not compelled by policy or law but a heart to include all in development processes, that is President Mnangagwa acting on his words. Leaving no one behind.
ZANU PF has maintained the women quota system at political party level, the party has maintained the reservation of 60 seats for women in the National Assembly. Women are enjoying this right beyond the policy, applause to the First Secretary and Presidential candidate for the ZANU PF who has an inclusive heart in his politics and this is the signal. It is a sign that inclusive development is guaranteed if he is re-elected into office.
The ZANU PF party under the leadership of President Mnangagwa is acting in compliance with international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) signed in 1979 at the Beijing World Conference (1995) and United Nations Security Resolution 1325 (2000) combined with other progressive regional and national legislation on equal opportunities between sexes.
ZANU PF party under President Mnangagwa has also made efforts to bridge the gap between the youth and electoral processes in Zimbabwe.
For ZANU PF, this has not just been an issue of having youth voting for the ruling party but ensuring that they are included as active participants and leaders in political and development processes.
Youths have been encouraged to take heed of their demographical advantage and their right to active public decision making to influence power.
However, most young people have been reluctant to participate in electoral processes because of fear of victimisation. Pursuant to this, the Second Republic, working with other political parties and concerned stakeholders has made milestones in ensuring that peace prevails in elections.
As it stands, there is consensus that peace as a pre-requisite to free, fair and credible elections is manifest in this election. This alone is a key step towards including youths in electoral politics.
The door has been opened and youths have found themselves.
The youths’ quota which has already been set to become policy is guaranteed.
President Mnangagwa has always reiterated that a country is not built by violence and quarrelling but through unity of purpose across provinces and districts and this is possible by making sure that no place is left behind.
President Mnangagwa has revealed that devolution is an important building block to the achievement of Vision 2030. This is not just political banter, but there is action to it.
At national level, as provided for in Section 264 of our Constitution, Government under the leadership of the President has been implementing devolution not merely as a political empowerment tool, but as a means to achieve equitable economic development and equalisation for all parts of our country. That is inclusive development.
By launching its political manifesto in Chipinge, ZANU PF is demonstrating that its politics is not just about the capital cities but all areas that make Zimbabwe, all in the spirit of inclusive politics.
Every place and location that makes Zimbabwe, including those considered remote are in the President’s mind.
President Mnangagwa is on record for saying he is committed to the Constitutional concept of devolution and its full implementation will ensure Zimbabweans benefit from the natural resources in their localities.
At party level he has passed the test, he started in Chipinge as he goes to all provinces, districts, wards, villages and households that make Zimbabwe. No place will be left behind.
Even those who were once denied certain rights and participation in the country’s politics and development for various political reasons are being allowed back and welcomed back to contribute as long as they are genuine and want to make Zimbabwe better. They are jetting in; this is a topic for another day.
Nyika ngaivakwe nevene vayo.
Online Reporter