Interviews were conducted around the country in June and July that were analysed by South African political scientist, Susan Booysen, senior political scientist from the University of the Witwatersrand. She writes in her report that Zimbabweans now believe better elections could be ahead, yet express similar levels of fear of electoral violence which they experienced in the past.
Apparently the MDC T has lost support from 38 percent to 20 percent in the parliamentary vote in the last 18 months, whereas Zanu (PF) support grew from 17 percent to 31 percent in the same period. According to Booysen, Zimbabweans are, “torn in all directions in the transitional period.”
She said ahead of the release of the survey that many would be shocked at the results. Nevertheless this information cannot be ignored.
So far MDC leaders who had sight of the survey results last weekend have not responded. Several analysts did not want to be identified until they had studied the report fully.
The MDC needs to admit their mistakes, engage with the people both at home and abroad and amend the party constitution to allow external assemblies to do what they were doing (properly) before they were silenced by head office. Voters want credible elections from serious candidates and the MDC must make hay while the sun shines.
It is necessary for the MDC to repeal repressive laws such as POSA, AIPPA and criminal defamation laws, as well as re-instating the diaspora vote. They need to force Mugabe to reconstitute the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe or put pressure on Baz to open the airwaves to allow exiled radio stations to operate in Zimbabwe.
Warming-up to Mugabe and Zanu (PF) might have cost MDC-T a lot of credibility; 47% of people did not want to participate in the survey and that is very significant. The only opportunity left is to give the diaspora the right to remove Mugabe at the stroke of the pen, otherwise the MDC-T will be humiliated. – VOICE FROM AFRICA, SA
Post published in: Letters to the Editor
The survey conducted was not very effective since most people were afraid that Zanu Pf normally includes CIO operatives without anyone’s knowledge. You can say that Zanu has got higher % in support but thats not it because most know of the tactics used by the ruling party.
This bread and butter issue we are enjoying now IF there was no opposition party as strong as MDC – T what were we going to say to who and who was going to do that. Most people are aware about this brain storming issues which gives ZANU ground and ideas to discredit the opposition. Yes MDC – T should not just sit and watch but the statistics are wrong.
Thats Propaganda