Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) MDC-T dilemma: retaining identity in an inclusive Govt

MDC-T dilemma: retaining identity in an inclusive Govt
Peter Chimutsa
Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:36:00 +0000

IN this Guest Column article, Peter Chimutsa argues that the Movement for Democratic Change party led by Prime Minister Tsvangirai faces a new kind of dilemma: maintaining the "change" identity when they are part of an inclusive Government "making change". He says that unless the MDC-T party transforms radically from a "pressure group party" to a party that understands "statecraft", it might lose its lustre and that the "disengagement" announced two weeks ago is a result of lack of clear strategy for extricating Zimbabwe out of its problems.

------------------

THE Movement for Democratic Change party faces a new kind of dilemma. As an opposition political party, it was at liberty to sulk and boycott meetings, in order to advance a point of view, or achieve a desired outcome. As a party in government, that liberty is not so apparent

Today, as part of the inclusive Government, that party’s problems stem from its inability to use the tools of statecraft -- diplomatic, economic, and otherwise -- to advance its interests.

The recent decision to “disengage” from the inclusive Government was unfortunate; but brought déjà vu to those people who bother to follow news on Zimbabwe.

The bungled decision has left that party in a quandary, especially after Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s proclamation that the MDC-T support base had voted “overwhelmingly” to remain in the inclusive Government.

The MDC-T has thus gone against its constituency (the urban support base), and against partners in the inclusive Government. Who are they not against?
A friend jokingly said that the MDC-T party ought to take the class before taking office.

The state is a completely different animal from all the other animals known by the MDC-T.

A sea change occurred in the politics of Zimbabwe in the last two years, and those of the region.

The various crises that beset the nation and the region have transformed the geopolitical terrain.

Many of the MDC-T party’s missteps in Zimbabwe have stemmed from ideological obstinacy, a failure to understand history, and often plain obtuseness.

What the MDC-T party has failed to understand is what their partners in the inclusive Government were up against in the struggle for Zimbabwe and how they overcame it.

Without this understanding, they are not going to be capable of securing, let alone enlarging, the gains that struggle has made.

The MDC-T needs to quickly come to the realisation that not even the Sadc, AU, the US or the West can impose peace in Zimbabwe: it has to be genuinely accepted by all parties involved.

The only way that peace can be achieved is through negotiation and working together.

The idea that somehow political office brings power is a warped one. The offices of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, are but physical and mental structures that mean nothing unless there is consensus on the way to do things.

This is the essence of statecraft.

The removal of Reserve Bank Governor Dr. Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana from office will not significantly alter the geo-political terrain of the country during the transitional period.

In any case, Dr. Gono’s position falls under the finance ministry. Mr Biti has shown a penchant to flex his muscles to undermine the role of the RBZ governor with mixed results.

Institutions like the RBZ and AG’s office are forces for continuity and are not easy to change in a transitional period; especially in a rapidly changing socio-political and economic environment, like the one Zimbabwe finds itself in.

Governing Zimbabwe is, and will always be a balancing act.

It is now more difficult than ever in this world of rapid change, more actors (states, and non-state actors such as religious groups and civil society organizations); more diffuse power; the smouldering resentments of have-nots; and interested parties or groups in one state who are determined to try to affect the political and power realities in another.

There are many interest groups in Zimbabwe: women’s groups (e.g. WOZA), students’ groups (UZ, NUST), workers’ organisations (ZCTU, Zimta, PTUZ), that exert pressure on the under-resourced government. These various groups have their own concept of change, and what is acceptable.

Adaptation to accelerated change has become the major problem of present day political parties.

For a country like Zimbabwe, under sanctions and experiencing negative public perception, it is important for those charged with the responsibility both for devising means to develop the country to have ingenuity and fortitude.

“Disengaging” or boycotting Government will not do much to effect change.

Negotiations are necessary to persuade or dissuade, and the MDC-T party should ultimately master the art of using the means of influence to affect the behaviour of others.

____________
*Peter Chimutsa can be reached via: peterchimutsa@yahoo.com

Labels: MDC

posted by MrK @ 10:37 PM