Contrary to pessimism in some quarters, a Grand Opposition Coalition of
Zimbabwe is necessary and a big possibility for ending the Mugabe
dictatorship once and for all.
Recently (9 December 2012) this analyst suggested that if a Grand Opposition
Coalition of Zimbabwe (whatever it will be called) led by Morgan Tsvangirai
of MDC-T were formed, Robert Mugabe would be finished politically well
before the country goes to the polls.
It is gratifying to note the encouraging ongoing debate on that issue.
Probably, at the outset, we need to explain why an electoral coalition of
opposition parties is necessary, how it could work, its challenges and the
possible benefits to the country.
Why a grand electoral coalition?
Because of the enormity of the task of peacefully removing tyranny from our
midst, after the disenfranchisement of the Diaspora, a coalition of
opposition forces is necessary in Zimbabwe. Even Mugabe knows that such a
coalition is necessary given that his grip on power appears invincible.
Thanks to a labyrinth of oppressive and despotic laws, militarised state
structures, a partisan police force and a judiciary that stands accused of
subverting justice ? Mugabe is been able to take his so-called annual 3-week
holiday in Singapore without any fear of a military coup in his absence.
How can such a coalition work?
An opposition coalition against Mugabe can work in the same way a coalition
of nationalist forces fought the liberation struggle against Ian Smith?s
racist regime through the encouragement of among others, leaders of the
Frontline States ? Ndugu Mwalimu Nyerere of Tanzania, Camarada President
Samora Machel of Mozambique and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.
While there was no military victory or defeat, the existence of the
pre-independence coalition helped psychologically to tilt the tables against
the colonial racist regime in the constitutional talks which preceded the
1980 elections.
Challenges
Petty personal jealousies of some of the leaders of parties opposed to
Mugabe, using excuses of name calling and fears of alienating supporters
have already surfaced.
But it?s their supporters (e.g. on twitter and internet forums) who are
calling for a coalition or a loose alliance under Tsvangirai to unseat
Mugabe, knowing very well that fielding multiple presidential candidates
will only benefit the tyrant with a second GNU.
Similarly, Mugabe will not make it easy for such a potentially powerful
?tsunami? to sweep him from power without a fight. It is common knowledge
that he has abused state assets and CIOs to great effect through bribery
e.g. using seized white farms as bait. The elusive proceeds from Chiadzwa
diamonds could be financing a parallel regime. CIO is on record of
infiltrating parties and using outright violence against the opposition
especially ahead of elections. But, that has been tried by other dictators
before.
Lessons from abroad
There is a Shona saying that ?Kuziva kugara nhaka, huona dzevamwe? roughly
meaning that we should learn from other people?s experiences if we want to
be effective leaders.
Only when opposition forces formed a coalition or an alliance have they been
effective in bringing about change as seen from the Arab revolutions
especially experiences of Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and now Syria.
Even Russia which is sympathetic to Assad of Syria has reportedly proposed
talks with the main Syrian opposition coalition, despite previous Russian
criticism of Western countries? recognition of the group.
Benefits of an electoral coalition
Zimbabwe will benefit from a democratic change, reconciliation and national
healing if Mugabe were to be removed from power ideally through free and
fair elections. It would be easier to amend the constitution or write a new
one, also it would easier to organise a peaceful, free and fair referendum
and elections. Once a stable government is in place, Zimbabwe would be able
to attract foreign investment and people would be able to get employment.
The Diaspora would also return with investments of property, money, skills
and enthusiasm to develop their country.
Such prospects exist as long as opposition parties buried their petty
differences and agreed on a loose alliance just to get rid of the Mugabe
dictatorship from Zimbabwean soil, once and for all.
Conclusion
Despite the initial posturing by some leaders, there is increasingly hope of
a Great Opposition Coalition of Zimbabwe under the leadership of Morgan
Tsvangirai of MDC-T. That is what the people want. That is what commonsense
would also suggest.
The assurance needed by the present-day Zimbabwe opposition party leaders is
that the envisaged grand coalition will not necessarily mean their parties
will be swallowed by the MDC-T nor would they all stop being presidents of
their parties. No, not at all.
Looking at the pre-independence example that we have discussed, we see that
the coalition parties of Zanu, Zapu, UANC, ZUPO (Chief Chirau?s outfit)
retained their leaders. Accordingly, by accepting to form an election
alliance led by MDC-T?s Morgan Tsvangirai does not mean Tsvangirai will take
over MDC Ncube or MKD. It is just a strategy for getting rid of tyrants, a
peaceful revolution, at least for now.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us get serious and start behaving like responsible
citizens who put their country before themselves. Remember, the world is
watching.
Source:ZimbabweSituation.com
