Once again, Zanu PF has romped to a resounding victory in the just ended by-elections. Obviously these by elections were used by the MDCs in their various forms, as a barometer to gauge the popularity of Zanu PF. Some prophets of doom thought that with the dismissal and suspensions of some rogue elements from Zanu PF, the revolutionary party would weaken. The results of the by-elections in the 16 constituencies have proven them wrong.
For those who call themselves People First, the Hurungwe race is quite instructive. Zanu PF is still a strong revolutionary outfit.
Zanu PF is still the people’s choice despite the departure of some former comrades who had immersed themselves in the delusion that they were now bigger than the party itself. Some people thought that Themba Mliswa was going to win in Hurungwe West and I know they were anxiously waiting for the results loaded with comments. Obviously, Mliswa’s victory was going to open floodgates of independent candidates. Kudakwashe Basikiti must learn one or two things from Hurungwe by-elections.
One lesson that should go to the former comrades is that without Zanu PF, their political lives are not sustainable. This is the fact that most of the politicians within the revolutionary party fail to understand. There are only isolated cases where an independent candidate prevails over Zanu PF. Remember of the Biblical donkey in Jerusalem I always refer to.
As Vice President Emmerson Mnangwana said, the people of Zimbabwe are conscious of the fact that they can only bring development to their communities by having a representative from the ruling party. It is a fact. It is easier to channel your grievances through Zanu PF structures that are available from the village up to the highest level.
I would like to congratulate a few of the urbanites for liberating themselves from opportunists. The MDC was never with you at heart. You have made correct choices in your lives and very soon, it will pay dividend. Zanu PF has started making inroads into the MDC’s perceived strongholds. Come 2018, it’s a sure case that the breadth and length of our cities and towns will be painted with Zanu PF colours and that will be the beginning of the genuine national development devoid of obstacles that have been occasioned by the MDCs in the past 15 years.
These elections must teach the MDCs that their boycott will never stop the democratic process to go on. They are not the only opposition party in Zimbabwe and the electoral process will never be evaluated based on their participation or boycott. As they think about boycotting the 2018 elections, they must know that the electoral process will go on as long as there are other opposition parties.