By Anesu Pedzisayi
There has been a lot hypocrisy, inconsistency and show of double standard by MDC leadership which should not be condoned for whatever reason. In fact, moments when such contradictions are brought to light, MDC supporters and the nation at large should hold opposition leadership accountable for their actions.
At the Commission of Inquiry, MDC leadership distanced itself from the Party supporters who took part in the demonstrations. More so, the leadership actually ridiculed the protestors, an indication that at any given time, Chamisa and his team have no respect or concern for their supporters except to use them to their own selfish ends.
What is more worrying however, is that MDC supporters go on to cheer its leadership’s dishonesty and treachery. Chamisa told the Commission that he was an astute lawyer and had know-how of Constitutional dictates. In contrast, Chamisa still refuses to acknowledge President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe even after the constitutional court ruled that Chamisa has no primary evidence of having won the elections. This overwhelmingly signifies the double standards that MDC leadership preaches.
By now, months after the harmonised elections, MDC should be conducting itself in a matter befitting an opposition party where it conducts checks and balances on Government, but apparently they are still operating in the election mode. Its legislators in parliament are no better as they continue with their rowdy behaviour to the detriment of parliament business but expect to get their dues at the end of each month.
The MDC has called for more demonstrations against Government, during the course of the week. It is the same supporters that Chamisa called stupid and denied association with, that he is now mobilising to march in support of his nefarious agenda.
It would be interesting, for a change, if there were to be MDC supporters who would attest to anything positive that has come out of the demonstrations that they have previously embarked on as a Party. Instead of being a party of demonstrators, it would also be commendable if there would be supporters who choose to participate in developmental engagements than always be in the streets causing unnecessary distractions.
In my own opinion, if MDC were sincere in their demonstrations and attacks on Government, they would start by proving that they are sincere in addressing current challenges by ensuring that the councils their preside over are offering excellent service delivery. The MDC would also start by participating in positive engagements that benefit the country, socially, economically and politically and not personal gratifications.
Chamisa has now made revelations that the agenda of the demonstrations is to push for a transitional authority with the alleged intention to move the country forward. It has always been clear that Chamisa’s intentions are to get into power by whatever means necessary. In the process, he would sacrifice anyone foolish enough to be manipulated.
If Chamisa had the interests of the nation at heart, he would reprimand legislators under his leadership to represent the electorate well and deliver on their mandate. Instead, he urges them on to disrupt parliament business so that Chamisa would have his way.
MDC leadership should learn to take responsibility of their short-comings and realise that it is the interests of the electorate they have to serve. At the same time, opposition supporters should desist from the habit of cheering on their leadership when the thank you they get is a slap in the face for their support.
It is everyone’s Constitutional right to engage in demonstrations but these should also be peaceful and should not violate the law. As much as the MDC would be enjoying their right to demonstrate, it should not inhibit everyone’s right to peace and tranquillity.
