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Nicole Hondo Correspondent
Yesterday, an excitable section of the media led with screaming headlines that the opposition MDC-T party and People First —whatever it is — had signed some sort of “elections deal”, another paper’s headline hysterically claimed that the two entities had “joined hands”. A cleric of dubious calling, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya, was beside himself, preening in the same section of the media about how he had almost single-handedly brought about this feat. He was quoted saying “I have been to the offices of the People’s Democratic Party and those for the Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe. The whole idea behind this effort is to make sure that Zimbabweans put aside their small differences and start to concentrate on the bigger picture.”
MDC-T added to the hysteria, claiming that all other opposition parties were finally seeing the light and taking up their cue blah, blah, blah.
The blubbering celebration by the media and MDC-T begs the questions: what is the fuss all about? Was there some sort of pressure or deadline being put on some individuals to bring about this “oh-so-grand” congregation of spent and stunted opposition parties? Come to think of it, why is Bishop Ancelimo Magaya streaking across the country, robes flying, in a bid to unite opposition parties? What is propelling his supposedly anointed feet?
This hullabaloo about the MDC-T-driven National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) and the rush to hold a thinly disguised platform for attacking Government could only point to the hidden strings being pulled by some puppet master somewhere.
The dollar has been known to propel some individuals to even sell their mothers. It is more than likely that the same dollar that is behind the recent “divine revelation” that has visited upon opposition parties in the country and the People First thing, in the human form of Bishop Ancelimo Magaya. That same dollar has inspired them to join efforts in calling for supposed electoral law reforms.
A close look at these opposition parties shows clearly that they are a fragmented and disoriented lot with no ideology or common cause to talk of, except perhaps the ambitious desire by their leaders to be called “Your Excellency.”
The only thing that has been known to be strong enough to get these minions to sit down and agree even on the colour of the sky is the dollar. Not concern over citizen’s welfare, not a desire to improve the economy, not selfless sacrifice, but the dollar!
Zimbabweans should not be fooled into thinking that the decision by opposition parties, People First being the most celebrated signatory to date, to join forces under this NERA was done with them in mind. The numerous opposition parties, which all have known western ties, were shepherded willingly and unwillingly into the pen and ordered by their master(s) to join forces or else funds would stop being channelled to them.
And it is a proven fact that without these donor funds, the parties would not manage to survive and support the lavish lifestyles preferred by their leaders. And it must have come as a huge relief for the MDC-T to be able to go back and report to their master that they had managed to convince enough dimwits to sign on to their cause.
It is an open secret that the MDC-T finances are permanently stuck in the red, with that party failing to pay workers. Miraculously though, and a true reflection of who the party considers important, they managed to secure a top-of-the -range Mercedes Benz for Morgan Tsvangirai, starving party workers be damned.
The relief was palpable in MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora’s remarks to the media. Almost hyperventilating with excitement, Mwonzora told one of the dailies that he had “great news” to tell them — that People First had signed the NERA document.
So much for great news! Someone ought to tell Mr Mwonzora that “great news” would be to announce that Morgan Tsvangirai has come up with a single economically sound suggestion to help the country instead of his bushman calls for demonstrations and sabotage of the economy. The poor opposition parties that were gullible enough to heed the MDC-T’s call to “come into the big tent” should remember that when a thief kisses you, you should count your teeth.
Entering into any venture with the MDC-T can only lead to one thing, loss of integrity and relevance.
Nicole Hondo is a political analyst based in Harare.
Parties such as the MDC-N, Transform Zimbabwe and Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe should best remember that Morgan Tsvangirai does what’s good for Morgan Tsvangirai.
Even some of his own party members, the likes of Nelson Chamisa are awakening to that fact.
Already, the “big boss” mentality is evident in the manner in which the MDC-T spoke of the signing of the NERA document by other opposition parties.
MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu, told one daily that, “we have now been joined by several other opposition political parties. We are pleased to note that other opposition political parties have associated themselves with our complaint as MDC, in stating that elections in Zimbabwe have always been rigged.”
It is clear in Gutu’s statement that the MDC-T considers itself the godfather and sole owner of any matters pertaining to opposition in Zimbabwe.
All other opposition parties can only join or copy their “brilliant” ideas. What is evident is that this whole NERA fiasco is being driven by the opposition parties, especially the MDC-T’s hunger and greed for the dollars being waved in front of their noses by their western handlers.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.
Let the opposition parties which will gladly sell their mothers for a few pieces of silver not mock Zimbabweans by claiming to be representing their needs. People want bread and butter issues addressed. Bishop Ancelimo Magaya, people want their souls saved.
Online Reporter