Simba Makoni Of Zimbabwe To Form His Own Opposition Party
Former ZANU PF politburo member Simba Makoni who contested the March presidential elections as an independent candidate has now set eyes on forming a vibrant opposition party as he seeks to grip support for future survival.
Makoni, a former finance minister who announced just before the March harmonised elections that he was contesting as independent presidential candidate came a distant third in the election behind President Mugabe and Movement fro Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
He said there was now need to form a vibrant political party in the country for the future of Zimbabwe.
The main political parties in the country ZANU PF and MDC are on the verge of forming an all-inclusive Government after they signed a power sharing deal last month.
“Volunteers who supported my campaign for president in the March general elections have agreed with me that Zimbabwe needs a new political player that identifies and stands with the disenfranchised, disempowered, impoverished and alienated people,” said Makoni.
Makoni’s campaign was mainly supported by individuals who did not align themselves to any political party during the March elections.
He said a draft constitution had been produced and nationwide consultations had commenced to produce a roadmap towards the launch of the party.
“My vision for our country is very simple,” Makoni said. “It is a Zimbabwe in which all peoples have a better life than today and a continually improving life; a Zimbabwe in which all the peoples are at peace with themselves and their neighbours, free of fear and want, secure and enjoying equal rights before the law and equal opportunities for their sustenance.”
Makoni said such a Zimbabwe could only emerge from a combination of good leadership and disciplined, hardworking and law abiding citizens.
Analysts said that although ZANU PF and MDC would remain as separate parties in the new Government, there was need for a vibrant opposition party that will be providing the checks and balances from a non-participatory role
“If the all-inclusive Government finally succeeds, ZANU PF and MDC will be working together and obvious we need a strong opposition that will be voicing concerns. That is why Makoni must quickly move in to fill in this gap. Remember there are a number of people in the country who are not happy with both ZANU PF and the MDC so they need an alternative voice,” said Gorden Moyo, the leader of Bulawayo Agenda, a civic organisation.
(Source)
(Sponsor Link: OfferForge | kalahari.net | bidorbuy )