THE best way forward for our battered nation is the establishment of a Transitional National Commission, National Authority, or as others have called it, a government of national unity.
This route, the only one left open to Zimbabweans who actually have the interest of the nation at heart, has been grossly misrepresented and, at times, deliberately misunderstood.
No effort has been made to interrogate this route.
First, we need to see clearly why this route is the only one left for the country to pursue.
We have two major parties in parliament, divided almost exactly in half. A sliver-thin majority for the MDC, with a majority of two seats, is not a basis for the establishment of a government.
Parliament will frustrate the efforts of the Executive in the hope of forcing a situation of an ungovernable state.
The purpose would be to force a new election, where the incumbent will be hoping to win a fresh and bigger mandate.
The calling of new elections would most likely not happen, though.
Instead, we will still be operating under the current fatally flawed constitution, with its authoritarian entrenchment of presidential powers.
The temptation will then for the incumbent president to invoke these powers and effectively rule by decree.
This will be understandable in the first instance, if the provisions are being used to take the country forward.
But it will be the beginning of a slippery slope to dictatorship.
Zimbabwe’s politicians, so blinded by the obsession with power, have simply closed their ears and consciences to this eventuality, demanding that any accommodation should involve giving them power.
So, what exactly is this animal being proposed?
How would it work and would it reasonable?
The questions demand clear answers if the interrogation of this concept is to result in a clear appreciation of the abyss into which this country is staring and how we can drawback from the edge.
This is because the idea of asking the Heads of State to get Mugabe to step down for another person sticks in their throat.
Stepping down for a comprehensive transitional mechanism is another matter entirely.
It rules out the possibility of them being seen to speaking up for a specific party or individual.
As already mentioned the idea finds favour with them and would most probably see an end to the current impasse within weeks.
The National Commission, National Authority or whatever you might call it, would be a purely transitional authority, with a tenure of office not exceeding two years.
This authority will be the government for those two years.
It should be composed not only of the major political formations in the country, but should also include members and leaders of civil society: NCA, ZCTU, Youth Movements, ZESN, ZNCC, CZI, Ecumenical, faith-based (including Muslims) organisations and groupings as well as all those organisations that have been at the forefront of trying to shape the Zimbabwe we deserve.
This is important because the task of the national authority will be to emerge from those two years with a framework for a working Zimbabwe in which all stakeholders will have made a meaningful contribution.
The future and fate of this nation should not be left to an elite class of politicians only.
There is no evidence that only the ideas of the politicians are capable of guaranteeing Zimbabwe a future as bright as the African sun.
The co-option of civil society into the National Assembly of the National Authority, therefore, would be non-negotiable.
Once the whole nation (so to speak) is sitting in a room together, with representatives from all major constituencies in the country talking to each other, the business of sorting this country out will then begin in earnest.
The tasks to be set for the National Authority should include the immediate setting up of a Constitutional Conference (which should also be a National Assembly to stand in the stead of parliament) to draft and agree on a new constitution.
Input into this constitution will be sourced from all the constituencies represented in the National Assembly, who will also be tasked with consulting their grassroots on the document throughout the process.
At the end of those two years, Zimbabwe should have a new, respected, respectful and tamper-proof constitution.
The details will obviously be worked out by the National Assembly, but should ideally include the provision that the constitution cannot be amended unless the issue is put to a referendum first.
By the time the two years end, we should also have a strong economic base, should have stabilised the currency, and restored productivity.
Simba Makoni
Former Finance Minister and independent presidential candidate
Makoni got 8% of the vote at the March 29, 2008 election
USEFUL ATTACHMENTS
READER OPINIONS
Omuhle • ashmillin@msn.com Subject: n/a Thu, 08 May 2008 14:49:52 • Doctor Makoni, are you saying you accept the outcome of the election as announced by ZEC? Are you saying Mugabe, after all the mismanagement, the killings, the suppressions, Murambatsvina, cash-shortages, food-shortages, media suppression got almost half of the votes cast? Do you find nothing wrong with the delay in the announcement of the results? Do you find nothing fishy in the manner in which the results were announced? How can ZEC say they were still awaiting verification results from remote outposts hence only announced one or two constituencies at a time and yet even results in Harare were delayed an some from as far off as Gwanda, Binga and Guruve were announced first?
At the end of the day you are accepting the situation we find ourselves in and that situation is that ZANU PF failed to accept the defeat they suffered. Who is to say they will accept a curtailing of their sweeping powers in this GNU? As we know they control the amry, the police, the intelligence services, the judiciary and the media. Do you honestly see them respecting a GNU if they can't accept the outcome of the election?
As someone responded earlier, politicians in Zimbabwe see public office as a prestigious position, one from which to gain wealth, influence and immunity for their illegal, wicked deeds. For ZANU PF to accept defeat or even a GNU it would mean a serious climb down. They have even made it a point of philosphical magnitude never to recognise the MDC as a party representing the electorate in Zimbabwe. They classify them as western stooges and the rhetoric as always been that neo-colonialists are using the MDC to regain the country from the majority blacks. This despite the fact the MDC has always been represented in parliament since their formation, despite the fact the MDC has just beat them in the house of assembly ballot.
Let's be realistic, do you see ZANU PF ever climbing down and behaving like a mature political entity? I don;t think so and I don't trust then.We need a complete split with the past, we need ZANU PF to accept that they are not in charge and star behaving like an opposition party. We so not seek retribution or vengeance. We want to build the country they destroyed.They have a role to play as custodians of our history, they have experience of governance, albeit bad governance, so we will call on them from time to time but a GNU assumes an equality of effort, of purpose which is lacking right now in Zimbabwe. ZANU PF wants to perpetuate their rule, which we have already seen the disastrous consequences. MDC wants to rebuild the country based on a democratic principle and not gerrymandering, patronage or suppresion. How can we ever co-opt those in a GNU? Especially with one party entering the GNU on the basis that though they were defeated they control the main branches of authority and unless invited to a GNU they will not let go? Do you trust them not to do the same repressive things in a GNU? Remember Nkomo and how he fled in dresses in the night? Wasn't he invited to join government at the time? Again wasn't he forced, by the systematic state-sponsored Gukurahundi campaign, to accept a call for unity in 1987? Do we want the same? A few years down the line we will be back to square one. Let's have a quick break from the past and let's not give in to ZANU PF's armtwistig us into a GNU when we know they have no role to play in a truly democratic society. Inga takavhota wani? Ko, ma-election ndeeyi kana voramba kubva? Vadii kungoramba vachitonga pasina ma-election? Hanti ndeekusarudza vatungamiri? Had they won would they have called for a GNU? Why now, because they have lost? Do not accpet their utterances of a stalemate as the gospel truth.Let's keep pressing and they will give in. anything else won't solve the problems we face.
Arthur Gwagwa • arthurgwagwa@yahoo.com Subject: Sensible point of view Mon, 05 May 2008 21:37:09 • I can see where Simba is coming from. The situation in Zimbabwe should not be viewed in terms of winners and losers. The task that is ahead calls for all and sundry. The goal to reconstruct our country is more important than the respective roles we play.
There are people who are not interested in standing to be elected for public office but who are very crucial and must play important roles in the reconstruction agenda.
Zimbabwe doesnt belong to MDC or to ZANU PF but to all of us including those who lost in the presidential elections.
Mugabe, Simba, Tsvangirayi, you and me have roles to play. We must divorce ourselves from the African mentality of equating political office to prestige. One is given that office to work and to serve people and not to get good offices. If we think of political offices in temrs of service ( being a servant of the people), then we wouldnt be fighting about who should occupy which service.
Lets grow up please!
Diddley Squat, Tasmania • na Subject: NOW NOT SO LONG AGO.... Mon, 05 May 2008 21:18:04 • Muri bizza here? All you dudes can do is talk, talk talk. Let the women take over!
Not so long ago when the white man was there you all banded together agenist him. Which is why I am freezing my butt off in Tasmania now. You had a common purpose, then. So you swiftly got rid of us.
Now you all banding against Simba? I had to check twice he was not white!
After all the fervant prayers and hours and fasting on your knees all those nights, perhaps he is the Annointed One sent by God. Have any of you thought of that?
No, cos you are too busy trying to unseat the Father of The Nation so you can each get up on the throne of power. Dont you think if he saw 100% commitment from each one of you he would probably step down and take a break from all this nonsense?
Find a common goal and work towards it because if its not the Nation of Zimbabwe back on track after 28 years, what in heaven's name is it you want?
Petros Ruwocha • N/A Subject: OIL AND WATER WON'T MIX Mon, 05 May 2008 14:33:17 • Theoretically, GNU is the route to go. That was MAVAMBO's platform. The electorate totally rejected that and we have to accept the stubborn reality. If there was a silent majority amongst ZANU PF supporters, they would have voted for Simba and Mugabe's percentage would have been lower than Simba's. Simba's dismal showing outside Matebeleland reinforces my opinion that the electorate is split into 2 seemingly irreconcilable camps. Thus, the majority are fed-up with anything ZANU PF and would rather Zimbabwe starts afresh and there is a minority in denial mode. As such, talk of GNU before run-off is therefore premature. ZANU PF have proved a failure by thinking that they can take Zimbabweans for granted. If the majority want MDC and Tsvangirai, so be it. I bet the majority are even prepared to pick up arms against ZANU PF.
Paida Moyo • N/A Subject: GNU Mon, 05 May 2008 08:36:36 • I agree with Simba on the need for a GNU, but totally disagree on who should play the leading role. There are only two parties which were deemed relevant in the political space, Zanu PF and MDC. And there are two candidates who stood tall in the same field, president Mugabe and tsvangirai. This should be the starting point. Only these two should be at the top in the GNU. All rejects should stay put. And how can ZESN and all other civil society organisation become politicians? Is it their role to be political leaders? They should stay within the confines of their roles and not cross the political divide. Thus the GNU should only be constituted by Zanu PF and MDC, together with their leadership, as they are the ones chosen by the people. They have the vote to back them up. Simba should revive his Mavambo and sell it to the electorate. If they vote for him, then he becomes an important voice in the electoral process. But not now, its clear he wants a slice of the cake. If he gets it, then he should get 8% of the cake, as his mandate from the people. The GNU should have Mugabe and Tsvangirai as leaders. Lets do away with any moreelections as they will increase hatred and more tension at the expense of economic progress. And the British and Americans will put very painful sanctions on the impoverished populace. Please have mercy on us
Paida Moyo • N/A Subject: GNU Mon, 05 May 2008 08:32:34 • I agree with Simba on the need for a GNU, but totally disagree on who should play the leading role. There are only two parties which were deemed relevant in the political space, Zanu PF and MDC. And there are two candidates who stood tall in the same field, president Mugabe and tsvangirai. This should be the starting point. Only these two should be at the top in the GNU. All rejects should stay put. And how can ZESN and all other civil society organisation become politicians? Is it their role to be political leaders? They should stay within the confines of their roles and not cross the political divide. Thus the GNU should only be constituted by Zanu PF and MDC, together with their leadership, as they are the ones chosen by the people. They have the vote to back them up. Simba should revive his Mavambo and sell it to the electorate. If they vote for him, then he becomes an important voice in the electoral process. But not now, its clear he wants a slice of the cake. If he gets it, then he should get 8% of the cake, as his mandate from the people. The GNU should have Mugabe and Tsvangirai as leaders. Lets do away with any moreelections as they will increase hatred and more tension at the expense of economic progress. And the British and Americans will put very painful sanctions on the impoverished populace. Please have mercy on us
n/a • n/a Subject: GNU Sun, 04 May 2008 20:41:49 • Rubbish. Coming from Makoni, i say this is rubbish. Lets rewind 2 months back, Makoni was not interested in uniting with the opposition, now he is all for a common purpose. I think people need get over Simba. that train is long gone. People called out years back but you werent ready to serve i guess coz you had everything going for you.
No chance. Lets have the guys that kept the flame of change burning on the stage for now.
chikanyamatope • mawiremhuru@yahoo.co.uk Subject: simba and his gnu Sun, 04 May 2008 20:21:33 • why is it that people talk so much nonsense under the guise of being sensible. here is a guy, for the shear craving for power refused to join hands with the party everybody knew was going to win. the situation we are in just now is directly a result of power hungry people like simba. instead of him concentrating on the total humiliation of the dictatorship, he comes up with total nonsense the beneficiary of which wil be?.....yes, comrade Simba Makoni. let us all resist this nonsense and dismiss it with the utter contempt that it deserves. the people of zimbabwe spoke loudly and clearly. this is what democracy is all about....some win and some lose. simba, if he does not want to join hands with the mdc for the good of the nation, let him show his true colours and go back to zanu pf where he belongs. incidentally, does anybody believe that he ever left zanu pf?
Omugabe • dziva@sanandresano.com Subject: Africa for Africans -- LOOK INWARD & 'LOOK EAST' ZIM, PATRIOTS! Sun, 04 May 2008 20:08:14 • Zim Patriots can only consider a government of national unity WITH OTHER ZIM PATRIOTS!
According to Zimba, Zimbabwe’s politicians (like Zimba) so blinded by the obsession with power, have simply closed their ears and consciences ...
Makoni and the other leaders of the MDC (Mentally Deluded by Colonialists) are so 'obsessed with power' that their only focus is POLITICAL GAMES, in which the evil Europeans can play their own destructive game of Divide & Rule!
Zimbabwe is in need of the kind of leadership that will continue on the path to Self-determination, Self-development, Self-sufficiency and Self-reliance!
Desiring a government of national unity, which is only concerned about playing political power games, WILL NOT serve the best interest of Zimbabweans.
Those Zim Patriots who know well the cost of investing lives, limbs, etc in order to liberate Zimbabwe from the clutches of racist invaders, ARE NOT into playing time-wasting political games. This should be obvious?
The aim of Zim Patriots is to march Zimbabwe towards ever-increasing Peace, Progress & Prosperity OF OUR OWN MAKING and without inimical interference from outsiders!
It is difficult to entertain (in any government of national unity) Zimbabweans who would see no problem in being servants/slaves to the racist European invaders?
That is what the political game of Simba's 'government of national unity' entails: It entails a situation in which Divide & Rule outsiders can meddle in Zimbabwe's political affairs, while Zimbabwe is being plundered by European thieves!
We can see what has been going on in Nigerian Delta, as an example of what is in store for unpatriotic Zimbabweans.
The racist European plunderers are devastating the Nigerian Delta and its people.
Zimbabweans have had their share of such criminality from Europeans and she blood against it.
Therefore, Zim Patriots can only consider a government of national unity WITH OTHER ZIM PATRIOTS who are as keen about Zimbabwe's Self-determination, Self-development, Self-sufficiency & Self-reliance!
Only Africans can build their country in their own African image. Every leader of Zimbabwe must know this and MUST commit to this path of action.
The future of Zimbabwe IS NOT a game! It is one in which Zim Patriots have already shed precious African blood.
So ONLY the Zim Patriots will decide the way forward forward for Zimbabwe!
Yogi grade 1 • lol@zw Subject: More Input neede!!! Sun, 04 May 2008 19:55:53 • Your idea is just good but needs further reworks.!!!
We cannot have the ultra-mera [Tawengwa~Makwawarara] Harare Commission[now running the whole country.!!!??Ehh-hh the Doctor Maresva-pfungwa..!!You might be misinformed in some of your geded zeal.!!Zimbabwe is just a Democracy!!!Meaning any item /whatever operating the country just needs a mandate of the people.!!What insures that they stay for two yeras(& only that).& who will run the day-day State governmanet Functions.!What costituition rules them!!A country run by Lobbysts!!!!?!!!?!!?!!!!
l´m a grade one pupil but this space will not just allow me ponit all the miscaps in your PP plan.!!!!!!
Nova, Edinburgh • na Subject: THANK YOU, SIMBA. Sun, 04 May 2008 13:54:31 • Dear Simba,
You are indeed a visionary and this is exactly the kind of constructive criticism and seriously considered input Zimbabwe needs - not continual and constant interference from those outside who have no idea of what Zimbabwe has been thru in 150 years of turmoil and strife.
But, sadly, no matter what we try to do we will still have our critics - those empty vessels who make the loudest noises, because they will want to be seen to be constructive while in effect they are being totally destructive.
To them I say, just as loudly, TIME IS NOT ON OUR SIDE! When uMugabe departs for the ancestral hunting grounds, then what? Everyone will be clambering for his seat of office, regardless. It is going to be chaotic. If it wasnt for Madonna, Malawi would still be crawling on its knees.
Please can we get it together NOW while we are still able to benefit from the astute, calculating and intelligence of the Father of the Nation's input - before he decides to go and write his memoirs.
The reason you did not quite make a serious dent in the Elections this time around is only because you have more important matters to attend to like this TNC!
Let's show the world that Zimbabwe is still able to make it, shoulder to shoulder, and that above all, we have learned from our bitter mistakes.
SUBMITYOUROPINION
Please make sure you fill in all sections for your post to be submitted. Use n/a if not submitting details. The submission code below is case-sensitive. Also make sure you get confirmation that your comment has been submitted.
