Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Inclusive Govt still best solution for Zim

Inclusive Govt still best solution for Zim
Jackson Mbatete - Opinion
Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:59:00 +0000

DEAR EDITOR - A year after the signing of the historic agreement, it is imperative at this juncture that a call must be raised regarding some 'outstanding issues' where others now routinely call attention to their own at every turn. These calls more and more reveal a missing grasp for realpolitik, diminish regional standing and relationships which by nature and geography must be maintained, evaporate goodwill, and may now be compromising positions with the electorate.

It may not be politically expedient in the immediate, but it may very well be time to change the hymn cognisant of regional and continental voices that have consistently called for the lifting of sanctions that apparently, for some, conveniently appear and disappear, depending on which platform they are at any point.

It is still possible to collectively map a practical means of securing our common future and national interests. It is necessary, it can be done, and it must be done. And a character of progressive cooperation grounded in realism is an essential component of that agenda. Change and reform cannot take place on a one-way street.

The Prime Minister espoused a magnanimous national outlook in joining the inclusive Government and improved conditions vindicate that decision. To perform a turn here would be strategically unwise given the possibility of a return to the nightmarish conditions of last year. For the nation's sake and perhaps also his own, this possibility alone obliges him to keep this 'coat-of-national-unity' he rightly chose to wear firmly on during this transitory phase.

The essentials of this arrangement lie in creating the conditions that are conducive to the practice of democracy and the eventual holding of credible free and fair elections. This is the basis of the people's support for an inclusive Government. This cause is better served by the Prime Minister in government than out of it, its achievement a fillip for national progress and his hope for a positive legacy.

The work for national order and democratic reform must belong together. Comprehensive electoral reform is an 'outstanding issue'. Responsive and transparent public instituitions are essential for democracy. A new constitution is an 'outstanding issue'. This is only some of the important work that we would rather see those responsible focusing their energies on.

It would be dishonest to gloss over the different convictions that we hold, and foolish to disregard the real conflicts that pitted us against each other for so long. And it would also be extremely unwise at this juncture to ignore the common denominator that drives us - the people of Zimbabwe and their future.

Foremost in our minds should be the need for deliberate haste in driving our national healing agenda forward which is paramount, for no durable and lasting solution can come until after we have comprehensively addressed this most pivotal of issues. This is the vital key to consolidating democratic peace within the country, engendering a new political practice and promoting reason rather than force. The primacy of this issue cannot be understated and this work cannot be relegated to the periphery while we focus on personalities and positions/patronage issues.

Frankly, it is unimpressive to witness the clamour over governorships, ambassadorial postings, the perhaps unwise polarising choice of personnel by some where it would be prudent to sacrifice such individuals and other trivials when there is a plethora of problems, some of which are nowhere near being addressed.

Zimbabweans did not applaud the principals at the Conference Centre so that they (principals) could go into the temporary coalition to reward their respective cronies. No.

They did it because this represented the best hope for them to deliver the Zimbabwe that acknowledges the aspirations of all, reflects the multiplicity of our views and our common national interest. It remains still the best means to achieve that.

Other pens have acknowledged before, and this one does again now - it is an incredible task but Zimbabweans would want to see this government move with competence to prove themselves. The performance of some mandarins has however, it must be said, inspired not confidence, but utter shock for its disjointed, illogical and frankly abysmal nature.

It is necessary that all eyes are firmly on the ball at all times because the inclusive Government still represents the best avenue for driving the reform agenda ahead but it is a marathon in which we must adopt the spirit of a sprint.

People have been given hope after the problems of the previous year and it will be cruel and unwise to take away that hope. However, both parties to the agreement must also realise that hope makes for a good breakfast, but it is a poor dinner. The pace of instituitional reforms must be accelerated as this remains key to progress.

Jackson Mbatete

Labels: NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT

posted by MrK @ 4:40 PM