Will a Government of National Unity Solve Zimbabwe’s Economic Woes?
Opinion By Champion Mhofu
Harare – The 2018 election results clearly demonstrated that the country is indeed divided and polarised as evidenced by the narrow percentage that President Emerson Mnangagwa won against his rival, Nelson Chamisa.
While the election season has been declared over, it is an undeniable reality that millions of MDC Alliance supporters bear emotional wounds and scars of the judgement passed by the Constitutional Court (Con-Court) which cemented and solidified the incumbent’s victory against an expectation by the opposition that the results would either be nullified or Chamisa declared a winner.
This did not happen. It, however, evoked a feeling of betrayal by the opposition which felt it had been used during the November 2017 soft coup that removed former president Robert Mugabe from power. The opposition had hoped that by supporting the military removing Mugabe, who by then was regarded as the common enemy, they would be part of a new government – marking a new beginning. That too did not happen.
It is against this background that the opposition would never appreciate or recognise any positive action from the ruling Zanu PF because to them, it is a selfish party only after its own political survival.
On the other hand, the ruling party also accuses the opposition of under-hand dealings and trying to every economic development move it pursues. Political intolerance has worsened while the violent events of August 1 also continue to foster a sense of hostility between the country’s major political parties making it an impossible task for the country to push national interests as a united force.
The election promises left millions with extreme optimism for a better tomorrow where standards of life were expected to improve. However, the current economic and political setting is pointing to a less positive direction. Unemployment continues to soar. Prices are sky-rocketing each and every passing day while parallel exchange rates are hard to keep track of. Basic commodities are no longer easily accessible reminiscent of the 2008 scenario.
The MDC Alliance says all the problems are being triggered by lack of legitimacy on the part of the government. The ruling party, on the other hand, has ruled out the possibility of power-sharing.
The international community is pushing for the two political parties to work together as part of its conditions for re-engagement. It makes no sense to seek rapprochement with the West when at home we are at loggerheads? The European Union Observer post-election report is proof enough that engagement should start at home.
A similar situation was experienced in 2008 leading to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) which revived and restored lost hope to the majority. It is my opinion that the same should be done to help get the country working again. Both Chamisa and Mnangagwa got votes that show they both have support but the poll returns also show that they both need to work together.
There is an urgent need for action. During the GNU the country enjoyed an economic respite, access to basic commodities, medicines and above all, money from banks. It gave people hope.
President Mnangagwa should use his influence to be an agent of change. The country needs leaders across the political divide who put people and country first.