Source: Whither the grand coalition? – DailyNews Live
Fungi Kwaramba 21 May 2017
HARARE – No love lost is an old adage too tiring to hear but which refuses
to go in Zimbabwe’s polarised political theatre.
There is MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, People’s Democratic Party front man
Tendai Biti, newcomer Joice Mujuru and smaller MDC formation leader
Welshman Ncube – their collective goal being to form a grand coalition.
Once bosom buddies, Biti and Tsvangirai are taking long to put pencil to
paper and unite as many Zimbabweans had hoped for when the latter signed
successive memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with first Mujuru, then
Ncube.
But even before the ink dried on the so-called MoUs that were signed amid
pomp and funfair at Tsvangirai’s Highlands mansion, cracks are emerging,
with senior party officials “rocking the boat.”
First it was Tsvangirai’s deputy, Nelson Chamisa, who said that his boss
is the natural leader of the envisaged grand coalition of opposition
parties to face Zanu PF in next year elections, and days later Mujuru’s
backers responded in similar fashion, throwing the cat among the pigeons.
The fight to lead the coalition is a dangerous game considering the little
time left before next year elections. So much is at stake, analysts told
the Daily News on Sunday.
In hushed tones, other opposition leaders accuse Tsvangirai of behaving
like a “big brother” and his followers share similar views.
“When we group to share a plate of sadza, let’s know that we have the
first and last born and in our culture, the first born is given the chance
to take the first bite, Tsvangirai is the first born.” This is a typical
snippet of political banter doing the rounds in MDC circles – a sign of
things to come when positions will be distributed.
However, Mujuru’s partners are posturing in their own corner, refusing to
take that narrative. They even quote Mugabe to drive home their point.
“Mugabe has said Tsvangirai can’t lead because he did not fight in the
liberation struggle, now Mujuru is here. He said Tsvangirai is not
educated, Mujuru has a doctorate … Let’s have a woman for a change,”
said former politburo member Dzikamai Mavhaire while addressing the
National People Party rally in Gutu recently.
Observing the unfolding succession puzzle, political analyst Maxwell
Saungweme said there is no reason at all for fight over positions.
He said for the coalition to gel, there is need to put four essential
ingredients in the melting pot: inclusivity, respect and understanding,
willingness to compromise, and a sense of partnership.
“Current attempts at coalitions in Zimbabwe will be futile as they are
based on `who should lead’ than what they want to coalesce around. What
policies and positions on land question, size of government,
constitutional and electoral reforms required; economic and social
policies, international relations etc should be at the centre of
coalition, not who should lead it. All claptrap about coalitions in Harare
borders around who should lead, and not what the coalition should deliver.
“We are therefore doomed. Unless there is serious interrogation on what a
coalition is needed for rather than who should lead it, then even if
without Mugabe, Zanu PF in its shambolic state will still remain in power
or there will be another GNU of sorts in 2018,” Saungweme said.
Mugabe has already said they are looking “with glee” as opposition parties
squabble
And only time will tell whether a survey by Afro-barometer that dismissed
a grand coalition’s chances of beating Zanu PF in next year elections was
spot on, but for now, the alliance is still only on paper.
Mainstream MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said the 2008 vote when former
Finance minister Simba Makoni split the votes after garnering eight
percent and denying Tsvangirai an outright victory, taught them an
unforgettable lesson.
“Tsvangirai is a very seasoned and versatile politician. He is leading our
team in the negotiations processes. So far, the team, under the guidance
and direction of our party leader, has done an excellent job.
“We are on course and indeed, there are extremely good prospects for the
formation of a formidable grand coalition,” Gutu said.
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