Zapu ready for electoral alliance

Zapu is prepared to engage willing partners for a united front that would mobilise voters in time for the forthcoming elections.

The united front would not result in the dissolution of member organisations, it would be an alliance aimed at dealing Zanu (PF) and Mugabe a fatal blow and ushering in a governance agenda based on a progressive vision.

Zapu says the united front will be important for Zimbabwe as it would provide a clear direction beyond the current regime and do away with politics of personality.

Valiant efforts

“Over the last three decades there have been valiant efforts to change the political landscape, resulting in the dispersion of many activists and thinkers who share values and common history,” said Zapu in its proposal for the united front.

According to the party, younger politicians from different parties would benefit from the united front as they would get the opportunity to direct their efforts towards an inclusive agenda without unnecessarily opposing each other for unjustified reason.

“The transition towards true democracy and good governance will not just happen because it is a good thing; instead it has to be purposefully engineered by Zapu and other political actors,” said Zapu.

The party, formerly led by “Father Zimbabwe” and Zimbabwe Vice President Joshua Nkomo, said it was uniquely placed because it was part of the armed struggle.

Zapu was quick to point out the united front should not only be pre-occupied with removal of Zanu (PF) from power, but should develop a clear post-Zanu (PF) vision, guiding principles and political conduct.

No vision

Absence of a clear vision in the transition was blamed for the creation of tendencies of intolerance and inclination towards monopolistic behaviour in parties fighting Zanu (PF). This has partly caused lack of interest to form a united front by potential allies.

Zapu says its vision for a united front by all progressive forces has been alive since 1984, although it faded as Zimbabwe turned into virtually a one party state.

The idea was revitalised at the Zapu congress of 2010 after pulling out of its unity accord with Zanu (PF).

Though Dabengwa said his party has not discussed the united front idea with any willing partner, Prime Minister and MDC-T President Morgan Tsvangirai recently said: “An agreement by opposition parties to speak with one voice against President Robert Mugabe’s push for elections without necessary reforms has set the tone for an electoral pact to fight the Zanu (PF) leader.”

Tsvangirai is on record saying MDC-T was prepared to put away its differences and form a coalition with other progressive forces to bring real political change to Zimbabwe.

A coalition

The two MDCs in the GNU, Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn, Zapu and other parties formed a coalition to resist Mugabe’s push for elections by July 31, 2013.

Mavambo/Dawn/Kusile said it welcomed an electoral coalition with progressive partners, provided the deal benefits Zimbabweans in general.

“The idea around a united front should not necessary be to fight Mugabe just for the sake of it, but to benefit people of Zimbabwe,” said party secretary for administration, Wilson Kumbula.

MDC spokesperson, Nhlanhla Dube, said: “MDC is awake to the need for a grouping of minds based on honesty and principal to fight the Mugabe menace.”