In a statement released today, ZLP indicated that the resolution of the succession issue was long overdue and other liberation parties in countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia and Angola had smoothly gone through the process.
ZLP noted that the succession issue was critical to the development of and stability of the country.
“We have watched with anxiety, apprehension, dismay and disbelief the comical circus playing out before the ruling Zanu (PF) party congress scheduled for next month, December.
“It is glaringly showing that there is dearth of leadership in the ruling party Zanu (PF) and the country, which is negatively impacting on the common man,” reads part of the statement.
Since the absence of leadership impacts on all facets of the Zimbabwean society, ZLP said, President Mugabe should exercise leadership and fill the political vacuum which has gone moribund to the extent of threatening the national stability.
Fears were expressed that the prevailing situation in Zanu (PF) threatened the country’s state security and had the potential to spill into civil strife.
As the welfare of the nation had ‘taken the back banner’ while the intra-party succession battle intensified, ZLP so it fit to call for an immediate resolution to the pertinent issues which were critical for peace and development to prevail in the country.
According to ZLP, President Mugabe was the major culprit, since he allowed the succession issue to haunt the party for the past three years, for selfish interests at the expense of the national good.
ZLP composed of senior war veterans, former senior commanders and members of the Zanla and Zipra High Command, and founders and members of the Board of Trustees said it was qualified to comment and give directions to issues to do with national interests.
The organisation said the fact that the succession inspired infighting threatened the stability of the country, the wellbeing of the economy and political-socio welfare of the country, provided the basis upon which ZLP was commenting.
ZLP said it would not lose track of the original aim and ideals of the liberation struggle, for which many comrades had lost their lives and limbs.
The aims among others included freedom, democracy, social justice, peace and respect for human dignity.
Well-meaning Zimbabweans from across the political divide including Zanu (PF) and members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association were urged to put national interests ahead of personal ambitions.
The statement was signed by Happyson Nenji and Wilson Nharingo, ZLP chairperson and secretary to the Board of Trustees respectively.
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