The Sunday News
Richard Mahomva
Beyond the pseudo-historical manoeuvres to hypothesise a selective reality which is misconfigured from the emerging features of a second republic; Zimbabweans are enthusiastic than ever to usher the country into a new constitutional season — a new epoch to redefine and reposition the national agenda.
No amount of expired populist propaganda by a fanatical opposition “vanguard” will convince voters and the international community that democracy is under siege. Thanks to Colonel Mugwisi for articulating the position and the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with regards to elections.
Over the years, electoral reform has been an essential part of the election credibility debate in Zimbabwe. There is no doubt that Zimbabwe needed structural reforms with regards to the politics of elections.
Consequently, the Government has generously delivered some of those key aspects to reforming the country’s democratic space.
Zimbabweans across the political divide will not be held back from moving on because of some of sections of the opposition who ardently uphold an old-time disputatious attitude about the credibility of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).
The whole clamour about electoral reforms by the opposition, particularly after the declaration of the election date, was both illegal and contradictory to the transformed political landscape.
The change in the Government’s approach to the management of the pre-election processes nullifies the list of demands sought by the opposition through their American cronies courtesy of the amended 2018 Zidera Policy framework. It is clear that the push for reform which solicited the 2018 Zidera Amendment in December 2017 was banked on an anticipation of the repetition of the past.
On the contrary, the expected never happened to the dismay of the opposition particularly the Chamisa MDC. Clearly, the political landscape of our country has since been embellished to mark a new beginning which is divorced from the old.
The aesthetics of democracy now punctuate the direction to a new future; a future born out of a Constitution; a Constitution for the people by the people. This is why it is crucial for all of us to vote bearing in mind the terms of the country’s constitution and how it gravitates us towards one aim and one destiny.
As we all enter into this election the preamble of the country’s supreme law reminds us that we are united by our diversity to transform Zimbabwe’s years of despair:
“We the people of Zimbabwe, United in our diversity by common desire for freedom, justice and equality.”
As such, our diversity or split patriotic consciousness serves as resource for modernising our realities in the interests of freedom, justice and equality. In the same manner, history provides the moral campus to our broader and intermingling claims to be Zimbabwean:
“And our heroic resistance to colonialism, racism and all forms of domination and oppression. Exalting and extolling the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives during the Chimurenga/ Umvukela and national liberation struggles.
Honouring our forebears and compatriots who toiled for the progress of our country. The same past justifies the agenda we have to ensure that this constitution justifies the value for: Recognising the need to entrench democracy, good governance, transparent and accountable governance and the rule of law. Reaffirming our commitment to upholding and defending fundamental human-rights and freedoms.”
Above it all, the Preamble of our Constitution offers the pragmatic lens to mapping the direction of our national prosperity and progress through: “Acknowledging the richness of our natural resources.
Celebrating the vibrancy of our traditions and cultures. Determined to overcome all challenges and obstacles that impede our progress. Cherishing freedom, equality, peace, justice, tolerance, prosperity and patriotism in search of new frontiers under a common destiny.
Acknowledging the supremacy of Almighty God in whose hands our future lies. Resolve by the tenets of this Constitution to commit ourselves to build a united, just and prosperous nation, founded on values of transparency, equality, freedom, fairness, honesty and the dignity of hard-work.
And, imploring the guidance and support of all Almighty God, hereby make this Constitution and commit ourselves to it as the fundamental law of our beloved land.”
Having made full reference to the Preamble of the supreme law of the land, it is clear that Zimbabweans are driven by a larger agenda to consolidate binding national values. The election process so far is reflective of a renewed political culture.
The excesses in the demands for reform to feed into an old mantra will not reinvigorate the lost hopes of some sections of the opposition.
It is now clear that the pressure exerted on Zec broadly relates to an agenda to soil the outcomes of the pending elections if they are not in favour of one candidate.
Surprisingly, other opposition parties seem to be less the bereaved. Is it because they are not pre-occupied with the election preparatory framework or they are clearly satisfied with the structural amends to power and the democratic atmosphere in the country.
The political playing field is seemingly clear so far and as it stands, nothing will invalidate the popularity of this reality.
In a polarised polity, it is fashionable for political analysts to take a side and after all it is normal that analyses is underpinned on biases.
However, manifestation of the inevitable paralyses irrational predispositions. No matter how much Zec can be subjected to antagonism the election will go on.
Zec draws its existence from the collective aspirations of the Zimbabwean people. Of course anti-establishment publicists may selectively abhor certain realities in pursuit of saccharine — and yet toxic manipulation of a gullible mass; that will not change the emerging culture of tolerance and the lack of violence in this election compared to the other years.
There is clearly no denial that Zimbabwe was nudged in partisan proclivities which begat a culture of languid analyses sustained by blind loyalty and partisan sycophancy. Today, it is clear for all to see that Zimbabwe is a nation born anew; as such, the electoral culture replicates that change. Who thought that one day opposition parties’ rallies will be broadcast in state media?
Even in the pleasure of this renewal in our way of doing things, some political discourse is still informed by a past we are striving to leave behind us. In this ecosphere of superficial and fictional acclamation of selective truths adverse emotions towards the establishment is incentivised by blatant dismissal of those who stole the hearts of Zimbabwean through lies and the pain of sanctions.
Indeed, there has been too many anti-establishment hashtag enterprises which have built the momentum to the much anticipated 2018 plebiscite. The road to the 2018 election has not been immune to drama within the ruling and other political parties.
Factional politics grotesquely manifested in the last quarter towards the finishing line. Tsvangirai was called to somewhere beyond the blue and yet Robert Mugabe is getting himself to rest and reflect at the Blue-roof mansion. It’s all “blues” to the old faces of power in both Zanu-PF and the factional wounded MDC(s).
While both icons have been summoned by circumstances to rest, it is now clear that individuals come and go, but principles and institutions last forever. Likewise, every word in our constitution is permanent. The same constitution will define the agenda of our country’s future.
Richard Mahomva is a political-scientist with avid interest in classic and modern political theory. He also has a distinct passion for the architecture of governance in Africa and is a literature aficionado.
