However, analysts have expressed doubt over whether Mugabe’s calls will be embraced by the coterie of hardliners within his party structures who have, during the past elections, resorted to torturing opposition activists to ensure Zanu (PF) remains in power.
Some critics expressed skepticism over Mugabe’s sincerity in calling for peace and tolerance saying it was a window dressing measure meant to present the party, known for bloodshed, in good light to the SADC region and the international community.
Zanu (PF) has a long history of using violence against opposition parties as well as preaching peace during the day and practicing violence at night.
Peace by day
Political analyst, John Makumbe, said there was nothing much to expect from Mugabe’s sentiments adding that the county could be heading for yet another bloody election given the violent nature of Zanu (PF).
“I doubt very much that we will actually have violence-free elections because nobody listens to President Mugabe anymore. Also why is it that whenever his supporters unleash violence, Mugabe never gives instructions to the police to arrest them. On that note we can’t take his calls seriously;” said Makumbe.
Constitutional law expert, Lovemore Madhuku, said that in as much as Mugabe’s calls for peace were welcome, they were not likely to bear the desired results for a peaceful environment during election time.
“His call was very progressive so he must be commended and he should keep doing that. There was a time when he used to preach violence and that would worsen things. However, there are those within his party who will continue to defy him and that could actually mean the continuation of political violence.”
At the formation of the MDC, which posed the greatest threat to Mugabe’s hold on power since independence, the Zanu (PF) leader resorted to a series of terror attacks against the opposition activists in a bid to cling to power.
Too little too late
Against this background, political analysts believe it is now too late for Mugabe to restrain his bloodthirsty supporters.
Pedzisayi Ruhanya said Mugabe has never been sincere in his calls for peace and political tolerance given the fact that his party has been relying on violence and extermination of anti-Zanu (PF) activists to hold on to power.
“That statement is a mountain of rubbish. Mugabe has never been sincere and anyone who believes Mugabe can believe that diesel comes from rocks. The state has law enforcement agents whose primary role it is to maintain law and order and there is no reason for the President to appeal for peace when there are law enforcement agents,” said Ruhanya.
Optimistic
He said the fact that the law enforcement agents had failed to bring Zanu (PF) perpetrators of violence to book showed that the party was abusing its overbearing influence over the police.
However, Zanu (PF) sympathizer, Gabriel Chaibva, was optimistic Mugabe’s calls for an end to political intolerance would put an end to violence. He attributed political violence to what he said was a culture of intolerance among supporters of the MDC-T.
“The President has always been clear on the need to put an end to political intolerance and his supporters have been listening to that. The culture of violence is embedded in our people, particularly MDC supporters, but they are the ones who go about blaming other parties for political violence,” said Chaibva.
Post published in: News