adminIf ever there was a forward-looking party decision, this one, has satisfied the majority of the members of the party and other observers.
One prominent opposition supporter could only say that if this development of allowing every member to vote had been adopted over the years, he would not have left
Zanu-PF. But, reports of disaffection by some party members over the selection of aspiring candidates to compete in the primaries is normal. No situation in politics can please everybody.
The most important aspect which every party member must understand is not only voting at primary elections but also, to persuade non-party members to go and vote for your party. Even if all party members go and vote, they do not make the majority of the electorate. There are many floating voters that may vote for a particular party because of its programmes.
In other countries these non- party voters are referred to as independent voters. There are very crucial in winning an election.
Nevertheless, party members have to play a crucial role to get as many voters as possible to be ferried to polling stations and be given refreshments like water and the elderly to be given preference to vote without delay. If any aspiring candidates lose in the primaries, it is not the end of public life. There are many opportunities available for one to serve in the community.
Many people serve on school committees, church committees or on boards of charitable organisations. A party cadre must not just wait to be involved in party activities only but must avail themselves in other community activities.
We cannot all be councillors or Parliamentarians. For a committed member of the party, whether as a professional, commercial farmer or as a worker, student, there is so much one can do to play a part in building a prosperous country.
Elections come and go every five years. Another opportunity will arise to compete again or vote others into office.
The most important development, which must be perfected next time, is to allow every party member to exercise their vote to elect leadership at every level of the party.
Democracy must be seen to be exercised at the party level before it is taken to the national level.
The same goes for all public organisations where elections take place.
At present, all eyes are on the political parties conducting their primary elections, but there are also other organisations that stifle democracy.
During the years, many NGOs have failed to exercise democracy in choosing their leadership and yet they are funded to cause chaos in political parties and claim that the people are being oppressed by governments.
How far can democracy go in changing the lives of the people?
It is one thing to elect representatives to serve on councils and in the house of assembly and senate, but what is important is for these elected officials to be accountable to the people who elected them.
On many occasions, the elected representatives do not understand that they were not voted into office by their party supporters only but by the other voters who were impressed by the message of the particular party.
All voters are important and expect councillors and MPs to serve the interests of the country.
There are also so many people serving the country in all walks of life whose interests re-tied to the performance of councillors and MPs.
Democratic elections may not be the panacea of all problems in society but play a crucial rule in charting out a way to solving these difficulties.
Many countries are in turmoil even after holding democratic elections to choose representatives for the government.
At present, demonstrations are taking place in Turkey, Brazil and even in Europe over economic difficulties the people are experiencing.
Nearer home, there are always demonstrations in South Africa over lack of service delivery to poorer communities.
Those elected into office must not regard their positions as job careers but should always understand that there is no money to be made when in public office. Those without their own financial resources will succumb to corruption to make ends meet.
After 33 years of independence, going into politics as a poor person is no longer viable.
There is no money to be made when serving the people. Councillors and members of parliament must have other sources of income so that they can do their public service well.
This is where self-employment plays a very crucial role for the aspiring candidates for local and national office.
Gone are the days when councillors expected the town and city councils to provide them with outrageous sitting or other allowances at the expense of service delivery.
When the new parliament is convened, the people expect laws on recall of non-performing councillors or MPs. Voters must be given a chance to dismiss non-performing public officers.
It is not the party that should dismiss a councillor or MP but the voters that should be given a chance to recall rather than by-elections.
This will be democracy at play to satisfy the wishes of the people.
Online Reporter