via Electoral majority could choke Zanu-PF – Masunungure
AS Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) prepares to pilot the government for the next five years, a political researcher has said there is need for the party to conduct itself with care as its two-thirds electoral majority could weigh it down with total responsibility for what the next government does.
Speaking at the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) Annual Conference for Media Stakeholders in Harare on September 5, Professor Eldred Masunungure, a Zimbabwean researcher and University of Zimbabwe Lecturer of Political Science forewarned that Zanu-PF’s unassailable control of national affairs could work against the party if there was no self-control.
“Super majorities can result in arrogance and indiscipline in the party,” Masunungure said.
Amid allegations of electoral fraud and observer reports from SADC and AU admitting unfairness in the recent election, Zanu-PF walked away with 160 parliamentary seats out of 210, and is set to constitute the next government with full governance power and unhindered leeway to implement its policies.
But Masunungure said Zanu-PF’s power came with responsibility.
“Those who rejoice in the victory are filled with expectation. They expect the best, will they get the best?” he said.
Masunungure attributed the loss of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change partly to its complacency during the lifespan of Inclusive Government, when he incidentally hinted that there could be a similar problem of complacence with Zanu-PF’s rule after its disputed election landslide victory.
In reference to the MDC-T’s allegations of vote fraud and supposed complacency, Masunungure said:
“If there was rigging it begets the question -where was the MDC when these shenanigans were being rolled.
“It was basking in the glory of its historic and momentous victory of March 2008.”
Masunungure said the next Zanu-PF government had the challenge to prove that it can do better than the GNU – which all the three political parties that constituted it blamed for derailed progress in implementing their public policies and manifestoes from the 2008 elections.
“With this scapegoat gone, Zanu-PF has to demonstrate that it can do better,” Masunungure said.
However Masunungure was optimistic that the new government may depart from some of its extremist policies, saying that governments usually do not strictly follow their manifestoes, but move towards more moderate policies after elections
Masunungure said Zanu-PF might consider “de-radicalising its policies”.
“There will be continuation of reform in some policy areas,” Masunungure said. “I think (Zanu-PF) is likely to seek normalization of the country’s economy.
“I think a Zanu pf led government would seek to out perform the GNU.”
However Masunungure admitted that not every one was enthusiastic about Zanu-PF disputed electoral victory and incoming government.
“Indeed, most Zimbabweans were traumatized by the result and most Zimbabweans are in the post-traumatic disorder,” he said.
Masunungure said he thought “President Mugabe will go into a reconciliation mode” by showing “magnanimity in victory” and seek to put his enemies closer to him, arguing that the precedent of that happening had been shown in the Unity Accord of 1987 signed between Zanu and Zapu to end armed hostilities between the two parties.
COMMENTS
Mugabe hasn’t been very magnanimous over the last two weeks. He’s called foreign countries, Tsvangirai and all MDC voters all sorts of names. He doesn’t act like a head of state, merely a spiteful old man who’s stuck in the same 40 year old script that is hardwired into his reptilian brain.
WHERE ARE THE MINISTERS! TIME IS MOVING FAST, SIR!
NO DEADWOOD, SIR, PLEASE!
Yes. Where is the cabinet? We await salvation and jobs for everyone.
THE PARTY/HONEYMOON IS OVER. WE WANT ACTION ON YOUR ELECTION PROMISES!
To expect anything good from Zanu pf is like to expect the devil to pay a tithe in church. Let`s not be overly optimistic, because we have known these people for 33 years.
Not being negative here, but I find it hard to believe that these guys will pull it off. The challenges are too complex Zanu PF doesn’t even know how deep in kak they’re in. We have seen over the years how they have performed, blaming the West for sanctions which are targeted at the inner circle shows how they push blame where its not supposed to be.
Zvichapera you nailed it. While we hope that our country will come right one day, we cannot fool ourselves to believe that the same Zanu pf that has rampantly destroyed the country for the past 33 years will miraculously come back to their senses and start doing good things that will develop the country. Even if they are willing to move the country forward, the amount of destruction they have caused is so huge that it has stripped away from them, any capacity to undo all the damage.
The big lesson zanu muppets are going to learn is winning at all costs can actually turn out be more costly than having the grace to loose fairly. The whole world is watching and waiting to behold the amazing works and wonders zanu muppets think they will perform after cheating their way into power.
Zimbos, what are we saying? Are we still wishing the bad economic situation to come back to Zimland? God forbids. I think Mr Tsvangirai and MDC lost fairly to ZANU (PF) this time around. For the first time since the MDC was formed, ZANU (PF) has won fairly and I wish our country well under the legitimate ZANU (PF) rule and I hope ZANU (PF) will rule wisely this time around. Let our country prosper for the sake of our children. I pray that the Almighty God bless our country and that He grants Mugabe and ZANU (PF) wisdom to rule wisely this time around.
I thank God is not blind. The holy books says I have laid before you life & death. Chose life that you & your children might live. The Zimbabweans choose death and death it shall be. Just look in & at the past & you will see what is coming.
James you are right about what the word of truth says about choices but wrong about what the people chose. The people chose life but their vote was stollen!
Maricho we are not wishing anything bad on our country. It`s everybody`s dream across the political divide to see Zimbabwe move forward. Unfortunately reality on the ground shows us that we will not see the Zimbabwe that we all dream of – at least for as long as these vultures remain in charge. Anyone who expects anything good for the country from this looters` gang is day dreaming.