#Thinkingvote Vs #GenerationalConsensus

Dr Nkosana Moyo - APA Presidential candidate (credit: Bulawayo 24 News)

Now that the World Cup is officially over, it is time to reflect on the upcoming election. For the past month, I have enjoyed watching the football showcase to the eventual French win. Despite all the hullabaloo that came with the World Cup, I could not help but listen to the upcoming showcase back home. Equally as exciting as the World Cup, the upcoming Zimbabwean election never cease to disappoint.

With only 11 days to go to the infamous plebiscite, the parties are surely gearing for the final showpiece. Lately though I have wondered and questioned whether ZEC would be able to deliver that credible election that Zimbabweans are desperately yearning for in pursuit of a smooth transition to a prosperous state. The leading opposition led by Nelson Chamisa has continued to lambast ZEC for a number of reasons regarding the election process. Recently the MDC Alliance led a demonstration to ZEC offices and presented a petition stating its demands. The demonstration pulled a huge crowd, which was relatively not surprising considering that it is a well-known fact that urban areas particularly Harare are opposition strongholds. The sad part to this demonstration, was that none of the ZEC commissioners where present to receive the petition. The snub by ZEC to Chamisa's well-advertised demonstration reflected on how the electoral body viewed the party and also ponders on whether ZEC is truly a fair electoral body. Had the demonstration been done by a smaller party or a less vocal leader, I believe a ZEC commissioner or chairperson would have gladly availed themselves to receive that petition.

In response to Chamisa's petition the ZEC Chairperson Justice Chigumba speaking on a Capitalk FM interview said the issue of the ballot paper was "water under the bridge". Listening to that interview, I realized that it seems ZEC had once again chose to ignore Chamisa's demands on the ballot paper particularly its layout for the presidential election. Chigumba cited the lack of resources referring to her budget among other reasons. It became clear that ZEC is prepared to go ahead with the elections without giving in to any of the MDC Alliance demands. The disappointing issue is whether the lack of consensus regarding the Alliance's demands, may very well tarnish the image of the electoral body in delivering that credible election.

On the other hand though, some of the complaints by MDC Alliance may seem legit, but the party has lately branded itself a 'cry-baby' from complaining on the voters roll to the ballot paper and how Zim elections should only be viewed free and fair if the result is in their favour. The Alliance also portrays that if their demands are not met then Zim elections may not be credible. Chamisa led the parliamentary portfolio committee that interviewed the current ZEC commissioners. With most MDC Alliance members having been MPs it’s sad to note that they sat in parliament while the same law that they cry foul of was being enacted. The issues that the opposition are complaining about today could have been debated and rectified during the making of the electoral law. It therefore brings back the main question pertaining to the upcoming elections, Zimbabweans need to be aware of the people they elect in office. Whether there maybe Councillors, Parliamentarians or the highest office, it is ideal to choose a candidate who will not be a bench warmer but rather pragmatic and enforce the change needed to move the country forward. It is primarily because of protest votes against a particular party or person that has resulted in poor armchair politicians coming into office, only to complain over a law that was made in their presence only to complain when elections resurface and their "jobs" are under threat.

I have overtime began to appreciate the #thinkingvote led by APA's Dr Nkosana Moyo. He may not be as popular as Chamisa or known throughout Zimbabwe like the current president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Yet, when Nkosana Moyo speaks he appeals to me as pragmatic and more realistic to the ordinary man's problems while offering practical solutions. So many people on social media have realized that as well, though their geographical locations may not translate into votes. Although what is more concise about this particular individual is his belief in meritocracy and servant leadership, where offices should not be held on tribal, racial, political, or family bloodlines but rather on merit. He also aspires to have junior ministers in his cabinet who would be artisans, so as to enable skills transfer for future leaders. In Dr Nkosana Moyo, Zimbabweans are being offered a golden opportunity to move the country forward, it will be a pity if we let this one go. Vote wisely my fellow countryman your future is in your hands. Signing out GenerationX18.