Splitting the vote

The recent coalitions, one between MDC-Ncube and the other between MDC-T/Mavambo/Zanu Ndonga should be applauded. While Senator David Coltart viewed the Ncube-Dabengwa pact as “a very positive step in the right direction”, and thought “a wider coalition against tyranny remains an important objective” developments since the announcement of the Tsvangirai-Makoni-Semwayo pact prove that Coltart’s wish will remain a pipe dream. Apart from those with political interests, most Zimbabweans just want the parties to put partisan and personal differences aside and fight together to stop to the suffering experienced since the mid-nineties under Mugabe dictatorship.

The MDC-Ncube/Zapu coalition allows each of the two parties to field candidates for both presidential and parliamentary elections, and as expressed by Dabengwa, is a response to the demands of the people of the region. Dabengwa probably meant the Southern Zimbabwe region, not just Matebeleland as Ncube hails from Midlands Province. The MDC-T/Mavambo/Zanu Ndonga coalition, on the other hand, provides for one presidential candidate, giving them a slight advantage over the MDC-N/Zapu as all votes will be directed to one candidate. Regrettably, supporters and officials from both sides have traded accusations. While opinion is allowed, some of the communication by officials and their supporters has degenerated into diatribe, while some of the postings on social network sites show hate, frustration and anger. Under the circumstances, people should be left to choose whether to retain Mugabe, or replace him with Tsvangirai, Ncube or Dabengwa.

Not too long ago, we were told MDC-Ncube had appointed Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga and Paul Themba Nyathi as their contact persons for coalition talks, but the sincerity of that is now questionable given the messages emanating from Ncube. It would appear this was a gimmick to hoodwink the gullible that they indeed had a genuine interest in uniting other forces against Mugabe. If they appointed these two officials to be their representatives, what did they do to approach other parties to discuss a coalition against Mugabe? In my opinion, the MDC-Ncube is taking Zimbabweans for a ride. But it is their democratic right to do so, and the people of Zimbabwe must know.

And finally, what Ncube should know is that even some of his own trusted lieutenants want unity to defeat Mugabe, but they are too scared to say it in front of him. They are for a coalition with anyone who is interested in order to topple Mugabe. One of the members of his campaign team from Gwanda said: “we are victim of our leaders’ selfishness and egos. Imagine how strong the MDC would be suppose we were still a single. It’s so sad. But mark my words, one day we will get there and one day we will be a united force and this country will be better.” One day, those suppressed emotions will explode.

I wish all those who do not want to unite to topple Mugabe good luck in this election. It is their democratic right to split the vote against Mugabe, and that right deserve to be respected. – Benjamin Chitate, New Zealand