Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Zanu PF reinforcing participatory democracy

Zanu PF reinforcing participatory democracy
Raymond Utsiwegota - Opinion
Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:18:00 +0000

THE endorsement of the Presidium by the country’s provinces ahead of the Zanu PF congress in December may have appeared a foregone conclusion to some particularly self-appointed bench critics with an equally self-serving understanding of the Party’s internal democracy practices.

Predictably, these critics already had a script on hand which would have depicted the absolute endorsement of the First Secretary, his two Deputies and the National Chairman of the party as indicative of the manipulation of the will of the people.

However, the various choices of different provinces clearly demonstrated that the selection process was not stage-managed to fulfill or reflect a predetermined outcome, but rather to reflect the true feelings of the people, moreso as the party seeks to reinvigorate its structures in order to firmly position itself in national politics.

The fact that unlike other provinces, Midlands differed the nomination of candidates to 21 November 2009, shows the vibrancy of consultations that went on the ensure the elevation of correct candidates to right positions.

In that same manner Masvingo province’s decision to open back the candidature of Cde Oppah Muchinguri ahead of incumbent Cde Joyce Mujuru does not in any way constitute dissension within the party or insubordination as provinces had every right to make independent choices without fear of being whipped into line.

Masvingo and Midlands provinces have not deviated from the norm. Even if hypothetically they had, there would be nothing amiss since humankind tends to find solace in those with whom it shares convictions and growth among those it disagrees with.

Needless to point out that the presidium has demonstrated over time its ability to be magnanimous in victory, with the hand of reconciliation extended to the apartheid regime of Ian smith at independence being a case point.

It is an indisputable fact that tenure of leadership within Zanu PF comes under scrutiny at regular intervals so as to facilitate renewal and ensure that the party is in touch with grassroots membership.

This is the least that anyone would expect from Zanu PF, a proponent of democracy. Yet some institutions have found this practice to be too risky and unpredictable.

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)’s Lovemore Madhuku refused to risk tenure, influence and salary by extending his term at the helm of the pressure group unconstitutionally. He was subsequently rewarded with readmission to practice law by his cronies in the law society of Zimbabwe.

Another politician, with dubious links to a cabal of Western leaders and organizations, also subverted the constitution of his party when he denied membership the chance to choose its leader, opting instead to impose a blanket ban on a congress long overdue inorder to extend his grip on power by a further five years.

As such, before detractors start harping about shadow and form where neither exists with the vain hope of fuelling disharmony within Zanu PF, they should be
told right from the onset that such attempts have been made before and have dismally failed.

Least because these have been poorly packaged and executed by because people understand and appreciate that democracy started and continues to improve through and with Zanu PF period!

Therefore, the elevation of Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, an orator and diplomat par excellence, to the presidium ought to be celebrated in the same manner that the spirit of the 1987 Unit Accord ought to find resonance amongst all Zimbabweans across the political divide as a fitting tribute to the legacy bequeathed to us by the late General “Mafukufulu” Joshua Nkomo.

Labels: DEMOCRACY, ZANU-PF

posted by MrK @ 12:10 PM