When the scheme was launched, we were told that it was there to benefit all Zimbabweans, regardless of their political affiliation. Similar schemes have operated in the past. On the face of it, they looked noble, but on the ground they were always tainted by partisan behaviour – only Zanu (PF) supporters benefited.
This time around, the party has chosen to be brazen, and has come out clear on what it is all about. Placing Mugabe’s portrait on the bags sends out the definitive signal that the input initiative is a Zanu (PF) project meant to buy votes, even though he has lost the hearts of the voters, in direct contradiction of what the scheme was initially said to stand for.
As we inch towards the next general elections, Mugabe and his party, as they have always done in the past, will use every trick in the book to influence voters, and sticking their party leader’s picture on hand outs is obviously one of them. Of course Mugabe is free to campaign for himself and his party – but we begin to worry when he uses unethical means to do.
Vote buying by a person who is supposed to be a national leader is despicable. It sets the wrong tone for his subordinates and politicians elsewhere. It creates a culture of corruption and dishonesty.
Thanks to this latest revelation, people will know Mugabe as a vote buyer, not an honest statesman. They will know that he is taking advantage of their poverty in order to win their votes. The truth about the scheme is now out.
Questions naturally arise around this scheme. We are not sure how Mugabe managed to raise the $20million to buy the seed to dish out to voters. Did he use his own money? If so, how did he save that money?
Does he have personal business ventures that would enable him to save so much on a yearly basis? Did he get donations from those who benefit from his patronage? Maybe. Or is the money coming from some other source? The people have a right to know.
Mugabe is on record lambasting Zanu (PF) members who use money and gifts to buy voters. Who will take him seriously this time around, if ever he was taken seriously in the first place?
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga