mbulelo smpofu
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN his research paper titled, “The role of opposition political parties in enhancing good governance: A case of selected countries in Africa,” Dr Chebii Kiprono, a distinguished Kenyan historian and scholar with a deep focus on modern history, particularly in the context of East Africa, argued that good governance goes beyond the power of the state or the strength of political will to entail a meaningful partnership between the ruling party and opposition political parties.
The statement underscores the critical importance of fostering a genuine and productive relationship between the ruling party and the opposition. This necessitates a level of cooperation, open dialogue, and mutual respect that transcends the typical adversarial nature of political competition.
In that same paper, Dr Kiprono goes on to say that the opposition serves both to passionately monitor the government’s actions and, when necessary, to criticise what the government does and to present alternative solutions.
Living true to Dr Kiprono’s supposition that opposition parties should actively and diligently observe the government’s actions, President Mnangagwa, during a recent familiarisation tour of the First Family’s Pricabe Farm by the country’s legislators drawn from both the ruling party Zanu-PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), said opposition legislators must actively scrutinise and hold Zanu-PF Members of Parliament accountable so that they deliver for the general citizenry.
He said opposition legislators should give their ruling party counterparts a hard time in Parliament to build and develop Zimbabwe.
The tour was a first-of-its-kind show of unity by parliamentarians from across the political divide.
“Do not make the ruling party (MPs) sit, you should criticise them a lot and when you do, they will work in Parliament.
“As the opposition, be serious with your opposition because where they (Zanu-PF MPs) have erred, they will fix it and that will help us remain in power and you will stay in the opposition,” said President Mnangagwa.
His sentiments provide a discussion point for insights on the role of opposition political parties in enhancing good governance, including: holding governments accountable serving as a credible alternative to the ruling government; promoting and stimulating debates in Parliament; training ground for future leaders commitment to transparency and capacity building, among others.
By holding governments accountable, opposition parties act as crucial checks and balances on the exercise of power.
This compels the ruling party to be more transparent, responsive, and accountable to the needs and concerns of the citizenry.
Additionally, opposition parties play a vital role in offering credible alternatives to the ruling government. This competition of ideas fosters a more dynamic and responsive political landscape, ultimately leading to better governance outcomes.
It is important to note that President Mnangagwa’s sentiments highlight that the function of political opposition is more than just an alternative for discontented voters; it provides information about the government’s policies, points to their weaknesses, expresses the demands and interests of their constituency, and contributes to the translation of these demands and interests into policy.
He debunked the perception, created by some opposition leaders, that the opposition’s role is to oppose everything and propose nothing, as “false”.
The move was also a positive step towards national progress. Such unity promotes constructive dialogue, allowing for a broader understanding of diverse perspectives and concerns.
By working together, (Zanu-PF MPs and opposition members)can identify common ground, address critical issues more effectively, and develop policies that benefit all citizens.
This collaborative approach fosters a more inclusive and representative political environment, crucial for fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development within the nation.
It also aligns with President Mnangagwa’s leadership philosophy, encapsulated in the phrase “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo”, which translates to “A country is built by its own people”.
This emphasises the crucial role of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, in contributing to the nation’s development.
By working together, Zimbabweans can harness their collective strengths, pool their resources, and address the challenges facing the country more effectively.
This collaborative approach also fosters a sense of national unity and ownership, essential for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
Political analysts also hailed President Mnangagwa’s open-door policy, saying it united Zimbabweans towards a productive and developmental path, marking a turning point for the country’s once-polarised political landscape.
They said this was a demonstration of maturity in the country’s once-fractious politics.
Political analyst, Dr Leopold Chakanyuka said President Mnangagwa had ushered in a new era of political maturity in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
“The visit on Sunday by both Zanu-PF and CCC Members of Parliament symbolises the highest level of political maturity that we have attained as a country.
“We can unite where necessary and criticise where necessary, doing it constructively. The visit shows that as Zimbabweans, we are pushing towards one common agenda which I think is very important,” he said.
Dr Chakanyuka commended the opposition for forgoing selfish political interests and choosing national development.
“We need to appreciate the opposition for realising that we are Zimbabweans first before we become political parties,” he said.
Another political analyst, Mr Rutendo Matinyarare said the President had successfully unified political parties in the country.
This, he said, would see all political players joining forces in the development of the country.
“I think that the President has successfully brought unity to the political parties.
“He is breaking the polarisation that we have seen for many years in our country, uniting different political opponents to make them focus on the national interest and the one goal of building a better Zimbabwe.
“I would assume that, that is why some of the opposition members are saying let us hold on and hold off elections while we unite and build our country better to take us forward. I think that is very commendable,” Mr Matinyarare said.
Although the opposition’s engagement with the ruling Zanu-PF faced criticism from some opposition supporters, particularly those bent on pleasing the Western world, CCC interim secretary-general, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, has defended it, saying such interactions foster a healthy democracy and promote national development
Sen Tshabangu, who is also the leader of the opposition in Parliament, dismissed claims that engaging with the ruling party amounted to betrayal.
“It is certainly strange to suggest that an opposition which engages with the ruling party is ‘selling out.’
“How else should state affairs be conducted? Democracies across the world have healthy interactions between the ruling party and the opposition,” he said.
“The real issue is whether or not the opposition remains true to the independent political demands of its constituency.”
Sen Tshabangu added that the opposition’s engagements with Zanu-PF reflect a commitment to advancing national interests while maintaining its independence.
“We have maintained that the status quo is inconsistent with the objectives of the struggle for national liberation.
“Our engagements with the ruling party have asserted this contention,” he said.
Sen Tshabangu called for a shift in opposition politics, urging maturity and a focus on home-grown solutions.
“The tragedy is to assume that opposition should oppose for the sake of it. It is not enough to oppose. In fact, it is not the task of the opposition. The task is to offer alternative, objectively sound and home-grown solutions made by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, and about Zimbabweans,” he said.
Online Reporter
