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Hebert Zharare Political Editor
AT least six million Zimbabweans are expected to cast their ballots countrywide in a watershed poll following a short but intense election campaign period during which they were subjected to serious threats and empty promises by MDC-T president Mr Morgan Tsvangirai. The MDC-T manifesto claims credit for Zanu-PF’s successes scored over three decades of independence and democracy.
Some of these achievements, Zanu-PF is consolidating as the struggle for total economic independence continues.
In its manifesto widely condemned and suspected to have been penned by foreigners, the MDC-T claimed it introduced the multi-currency regime when the record will show that the use of multi-currencies was introduced by then acting finance minister Patrick Chinamasa on January 29 2009, a whole fortnight before the formation of the inclusive Government that came into office on February 13 that year.
The MDC-T, however, does not explain to millions of Zimbabwe how the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe at its behest, bled the economy of about US$42 billion in lost opportunities, were going to be dealt with.
As Zimbabweans cast their ballots today, it is imperative that records be put straight that it is Zanu-PF Government that introduced the multiple currency system as a strategic decision to use the currency that was used by the MDC-T’s allies to destroy the Zimbabwe dollar.
Cde Patrick Chinamasa, who was the Acting Minister of Finance then, on January 29 2009, introduced a US$1,9 billion budget during which he introduced the multi-currency regime.
The use of multiple currencies including US dollars, South African Rand, British Pounds Sterling and Botswana Pula automatically reduced inflation to single digits without anyone employing his or her business acumen and economic prowess.
It is foolhardy for MDC-T to assume that its coming into the inclusive Government stabilised the economy.
MDC-T claimed that since the formation of the inclusive Government, it brought a number of successes, including four years of economic growth following 10 years of economic contraction.
It is critical for Zimbabweans to be reminded that people suffered for a decade due to the devastating effects of the illegal sanctions that were imposed by Britain, the US and some members of the European Union protesting the land reform.
However, following the introduction of the multiple currencies by Zanu-PF in January 2009, the hyperinflation that had reached 231 million per cent, immediately came down.
For the four years the MDC-T has been in Government, no Zesa Holdings new power generation and distribution infrastructure was built although this portfolio was under the MDC-T’s Elton Mangoma.
Due to the use of the foreign currency in the country, the generality of Zimbabweans were now able to pay their bills in currencies that enabled Zesa to offset its local and external debts to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Some economic observers say the same explanation applies to the liquid fuel supplies that flooded the market after Zimbabwe started using the multiple currencies.
The banking sector the MDC-T claimed it restored started functioning properly immediately when Zimbabwe started using foreign currency as the legal tender, thanks to Zanu-PF. MDC-T cannot claim credit on the constitution making process because most of the issues captured in the supreme law of the land came from Zanu-PF thematic areas. MDC-T’s main issues raised during the outreach programme included support for same sex marriages and other abstract matters.
Following the introduction of the multi-currency systems, no one was supposed to claim credit of the situation given that some companies took advantage of the introduction of the foreign currency to import as well as manufacture more commodities to maximise on profit. As for the resuscitation of schools and acquisition of textbooks, all the parties played a critical role under the inclusive Government and it will be myopic for one party to claim the credit. Due to the devastating effects of the illegal sanctions, Zimbabwe has been unable to maintain roads mainly in rural areas and the situation remains critical, contrary to what the MDC-T is claiming.
In its manifesto, the MDC-T claimed it was re-engaging the international community, yet President Mugabe who leads the inclusive Government is still under sanctions. Above all, many Zimbabweans during the full month of campaigns were subjected to some insults, humiliation and threats.
Addressing a handful of supporters at Kotwa Growth Point on July 23, MDC T leader Mr Tsvangirai threatened to deal with some traditional leaders if his party happens to win the elections this week.
He accused the traditional leaders of being aligned to Zanu-PF as well fanning violence against his supporters in 2008 harmonised elections.
“Whether you like it or not, tichasangana pakuyambuka mukuwasha naambuya. Ndichauya kuno ndava president ndichikubvunzai imi matraditional leaders kuti makamira papi? Saka imi matraditional leaders mogara maziva kuti kunze kuchavava,” he said.
The MDC-T leader also insulted resettled farmers saying they were growing grass, while the majority of them, working under difficult circumstances without Government support this year, managed to rake in almost US$600 million from tobacco sales.
The ball is in Zimbabweans’ court to make a wise decision today to choose between threats and real promises, emptiness and substance, their economy or servitude and Zimbabwe or Rhodesia.
Online Reporter