Moyo’s Re-election to the Speakers post, more than just poetic justice
The re-election of Lovemore Moyo to the Post of Speaker of Parliament on the 29th of March 2011, after the initial election of August 25 2008 election had been annulled by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe on the 10th of March 2011, was more than just poetic justice. It makes for some profound reading of Zimbabwe’s political tenor.
The victory reinforces the contention that ZANU PF cannot win a free and fair election. The fact that this defeat was delivered on the 29th of March, 3 years to the day after ZANU PF received a defeat in the 2008 Harmonized elections and 4 years to the date after SADC forced Mugabe to properly engage with the Opposition in Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania, makes for interesting symbolism. ZANU PF’s eagerness to embarrass its National Chairman in a secret ballot is perhaps proof that they are becoming victims of their own propaganda and exaggerated sense of self.
It also demystifies the rhetoric around ZANU PF’s infallibility. It shows that ZANU PF’s reliance on the margin of error can be checked by the power of numbers. Given the undemocratic means through which ZANU PF had sought to take the position of Speaker of Parliament, ranging from nullification of the first result on flimsy grounds and alleged overt vote buying, the result should be seen as possessing greater meaning than merely the return of Lovemore Moyo, and his party to the Speakers Office. It breathes truth to the assertion that vote rigging in any election can be easily countered by sheer volume of voters –making inflation and deflation of votes more difficult. It doesn’t mean that people will not try, but the task is harder if the progressive turn out is higher.
Moyo’s re-election is also the triumph of unity of purpose over authoritarian overtures. The smaller faction of the MDC, led by Professor Welshman Ncube deserves salutation for rallying behind the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai in order to avert a clear injustice and manipulation of both political and judicial processes. Of course this being politics, there maybe other motivations. However, what this action shows us is what a united opposition to ZANU Pf is able to achieve, and leaves one wondering what could have been if this alliance of purpose had existed in the last harmonized elections. The action by the smaller MDC puts the larger formation in a moral debt, and leaves them with all to do in order to show that they too can rise beyond myopic partisan interests and do what is right. The action, also introduces an interesting twist to the issue of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Position, which Professor Ncube has been trying to wrestle from Professor Mutambara – an ascendency, which his party alleges, has been blocked by Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai.
The victory of Lovemore Moyo signifies a resounding defeat for ZANU PF and Jonathan Moyo’s machinations. It shows that ZANU PF s terror tactics can be self-defeating. The change of position by the MDC led by Welshman Ncube, based on what their Secretary General Priscilla Misihairabwi- Mushonga, said at a press conference on the eve of the election, showed that rather than endearing ZANU PF, such tactics actually lose them support. The election result, showed that these tactics can be defeated and the result must be celebrated as such, a defeat of cohesion, manipulation and corrupt ways of trying to subvert the will of the people. A cursory inspection will show that these are the same tactics used even in broader National Elections. The victory raises morale and confidence of supporters of change while demoralizing ZANU PF supporters who have clearly been on the campaign trail for the past few months.
Lastly, it shows that ZANU PF is a divided party whose internal cohesion is breaking down. Simon Khaya Moyo could have gotten at least 96 votes if all party members present had towed the party line. The rebellious nature of some ZANU PF officials has been underplayed in the national debate, while perceived division in the MDC has been overplayed. It is a significant indicator of what might follow in the next general election. It sows seeds of doubt over President Mugabe’s control of the party whereas it seems relatively clear that MDC leadership is holding steady, especially in the larger formation.
One hopes that for the good of the country, this unity of purpose will not only be limited to issues relating to positions. If a joint opposition to ZANU Pf can wrestle back the seat of the Speaker, what stops it from sponsoring and supporting meaningful democratic reforms in the House of Assembly and Senate? These parties whose foundation and roots are found in the pro-democracy movement and have often attested to sharing the aspiration for a democratic Zimbabwe through the repeal of repressive laws, and reform to critical institutions now need to demonstrate this unity of purpose in more meaningful ways that impact on people on the ground.
The significance of this election result should not be lost to the people of Zimbabwe. It is important for some of the key lessons emerging out to be taken to heart. It is time, for people to step out of their small territories, which they try to guard jealously with no meaningful results, to step up and present a united front to common challenges. The unity of purpose displayed should be allowed to concretize and spread beyond political actors, to all pro-democracy actors – spanning political, civil, commercial and ecumenical society, as well as the progressive press and other facets of society, which believe in a better and democratic Zimbabwe. The urgency of such a unity of purpose cannot be overstated as we move towards an election in the near future, based on the mobilization that the autocratic in our midst are undertaking.
“ We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are faced with the fierce urgency of now.”
Martin Luther King Jr, April 4, 1967
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