Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
POLITICAL analysts have painted a sorry state of opposition political parties in Zimbabwe saying they have been let down by the wayward belief in personalities instead of ideological principles.
Zimbabwean opposition political parties have left their members counting losses after investing trust in individuals who abandon ship when the going gets tough.
Since the formation of the Movement for Democratic Change in 1999, they have been ripped apart into different colours and names, with letters of the alphabet almost getting exhausted owing to personality clashes.
“This mess did not start today, it started long back. Since 2005, we experienced personality clashes and disagreements over critical issues. Professor Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti and Job Sikhala formed their own parties. Fast forward to 2018, Nelson Chamisa grabbed power from the mainstream MDC and it’s the same we are experiencing today. This is the DNA of opposition politics,” said political analyst, Dr Tawanda Zinyama.
Another political analyst, Mr Lazarus Sauti weighed in saying the chaotic nature of the opposition shows the strength of the ruling party.
“There is chaos and autocracy in the opposition politics in Zimbabwe, we have seen disharmony which is the order of the day. The recalls by Interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu and the quitting of Nelson Chamisa show they are non-existent. What is happening to the opposition is a clear indication that they cannot challenge ZANU PF.”
Close to 10 political parties have emerged from the original Movement for Democratic Change and analysts believe lack of ideology grounded in Pan-Africanism has led to unending squabbles.
“Leadership is the capacity to transform your vision into reality. If you can’t articulate your vision then there is no organization. What Chamisa has done at the moment shows he cannot solve internal fights and champion democracy. The so-called blue movement is going to face stillbirth,” said Dr Zinyama.
It is 25 years after the coming on board of an opposition political party of note, but what has left many disappointed is the rate at which offshoots have emerged, leaving supporters in a quandary.
Observers believe the chaos in opposition politics is enough proof that liberation movements which have existed for more than six decades are led by tried and tested leadership.
