Chan said there was no possibility that the opposition might form a united front and successfully challenge Mugabe and his party at the 2018 elections.
“Succession battles will not hinder Zanu (PF) from taking the country forward since the party has a strong internal disciplinary machinery to take care of the squabbles,” said Chan, pointing out that there would eventually be a smooth, though not imminent, Zanu (PF) succession.
According to Chan, the Zanu (PF) succession issue was costing the country direct foreign investment. He said investors wanted guarantees that there would be stability in the wake of power wrangles.
This was confirmed by a recent Reserve Bank report, which revealed that the country had received half of what came into the country during the same first six months last year.
The Chinese, who have invested heavily in the past, have their own problems to settle at home, and there would not be any Western investment until Zimbabwe clearly explained what indigenisation was all about,” said Chan.
“The West want a candidate who is friendly, inclusive, able to handle international partnerships, an inside unifier and able to take technocratic advise,” Chan noted.
Commenting on Grace Mugabe’s chances as a good leader, Chan said her shortcomings in both the party and government might embarrass Mugabe in the long run. Analysing Mugabe’s SADC role and the impending position as chair of the African Union, Chan suspected that the regional and continental blocs could be giving Mugabe a dignified exit from politics. This could also be meant to give Zanu (PF) an opportunity to move forward untied.
Opposition political parties disagreed with Chan, as they remained convinced that Mugabe and Zanu (PF) would not live beyond the 2018 elections.
Morgan Tsvangirai, MDC-T president, told party supporters in Uzumba recently that the Zanu (PF) government had failed and elections might be held before 2018.
“Mugabe and Zanu (PF) rigged 2013 elections and could not do the same with the economy. The nation is suffering and it would be a miracle if elections are not held before 2018 as expected,” said Tsvangirai.
Tendai Biti, The MDC-T Renewal Team interim leader, said his party would form the next government since they had learnt Zanu (PF) rigging mechanisms.
“We will not be naïve and make the same mistakes made by Tsvangirai in the past. We will ensure reforms are made before elections and this will see the long awaited change of government 2018,” Biti is on record as saying.
Jacob Ngarivhume, Transform Zimbabwe president, has told Mugabe directly that his days in office are numbered.
“At the election, the electorate will choose the national leadership from a devil, a womaniser and a man of God,” Ngarivhume said.
Analysts said only a united opposition front would dislodge Mugabe and Zanu (PF) from power. They also highlighted the need for agreed electoral reforms before any credible election was held.
Post published in: News