Discussion panels, like those conducted in the United States of America ahead of the recent Presidential Polls, were recommended. Those interviewed said panel discussions would give the electorate an opportunity to assess the capabilities of prospective candidates.
Stanford Chigumbura from Mutoko said: “The GNU and media should facilitate discussion panels for the electorate to evaluate politicians who intend to hold public offices. In the past, we blindly voted candidates into important public offices, mainly along party lines. This has cost the country in a big way. Corrupt and selfish people undeservedly ended up in high offices.”
A villager from Bikita East, Saigoni Magurutu, called for binding discussion panels in the media.
“Prospective election candidates should be lined up for the discussion panels. Each candidate would unveil his manifesto to the electorate. The electorate will grill the candidate about his capabilities as a public leader.”
Magurutu said candidates should sign a social contract which compels them to stick to promises made, in the event they come into office.
Jane Chikwanda seconded the discussions idea: “We are fed up voting into office candidates who end up being liabilities. One should prove his credentials at the panel discussions. All aspiring candidates must prove that they still have some relevance to politics of the country.”
A housewife in Marondera, Maidei Mohamed, said there must be assessors at the discussion panels.
“Assessors will rate the candidates against their rivals. Each candidate would be given due percentage ratings. Those found capable would be given a higher percentage. This would help guide the electorate accordingly at the ballot,” said Mohamed.
While the majority of the electorate was upbeat about the prospect of conducting panel discussions ahead of elections, some sectors of society, doubted if politicians would be willing to be part of the discussions.
“Politicians, who exposed their shortcomings both in government and at their respective party structures, will never let discussions see the light of the day,” said an analyst.
MDC-T Spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, said the idea would be healthy for the electorate.
“As a party, we would love to be party to the panel discussions. This gives us a valuable opportunity to prove our opponents’ irrelevance to Zimbabwe politics. We would reaffirm our capability and determination to turn around fortunes of the country.”
However, Mwonzora said the idea was unlikely to take off.
“Mugabe will not agree to such a suggestion. He realises that he no longer has anything new to offer the country. He will spend the whole discussion looking back at our soiled history at the expense of the future. MDC would excel at the panel discussions. It is the party of the future and has everything to offer the country.”
Zanu (PF) Spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, could not be reached for comment.
A party senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “Zanu (PF) has no problem with the panel discussions. The electorate knows we are the people’s choice. We have history in our favour. We brought the country’s independence, democracy and significant national development.”
Post published in: News