“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle,” said General Sun Tzu in the Art of War in 544 BC.
Knowing yourself should be the easiest, you have all the data you need right there before you. If you cannot know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, it can only be attributed to your inability to know what matters and what does not - ignorance. If you keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again this is more than just ignorance, it shows you are incapable of learning from the past.
If you are incapable of knowing about yourself even when have a mountain of evidence it is no surprise you will know even less of the enemy. It is therefore no surprise that after 43 years of elections the MDC/CCC has participated confident they will “win big” because they have “plugged all the vote rigging loop-holes” and to crown it all “God is in it!” only to lose badly again.
Chamisa has been complaining of “gigantic election fraud” after the 2023 elections but no one has been listening. He was warned that without reforms, Zanu PF would rig the elections and he did not listen.
Many Zimbabweans had placed their hopes on SADC leaders putting their foot down and deny Zanu PF political legitimacy particularly after the regional body’s own election observer team condemn the 23 August elections as a farce. They acknowledge the report but still went ahead and granted Zanu PF political legitimacy.
By refusing to grant Zanu PF legitimacy SADC would have used that as leverage to force Zanu PF to accept the need for a new Government of National Unity (GNU) similar to the one in the 2008 to 2013 GNU. The primary task of the new GNU would be to implement the necessary democratic reforms to stop Zanu PF rigging elections. SADC leaders and the people of Zimbabwe were hoping the new GNU would implement all the reforms; the last one failed to get even one token reform implemented.
So there will be no new GNU and therefore no reforms implemented before the next elections in 2028. The prospect, indeed the certainty because there is nothing in CCC’s demeanour to suggest they will implement any reforms, of yet Zanu PF rigging yet another elections weighs heavily on the nation.
After 23 years, including 5 in the GNU, MDC/CCC leaders have not only failed to implement even one token reform but worst of all they have been participating in flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy. Some of the opposition leaders have admitted it!
“Look, you can't keep on participating in flawed electoral processes that serve to give big benefits to dictators such as Robert Mugabe. Mugabe has perfected the art of winning elections. So it will be very foolish for the opposition to continue legitimising these sham elections which don't deliver,” said Tendai Biti in a 2015 interview with Isaac Mugabi.
“So you can't continue subjecting Zimbabweans to processes where their hopes just get crushed.”
“The (2013) electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility,” confessed David Coltart in his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe.
If we are serious about stopping Zanu PF rigging future elections then we must get competent men and women who WILL implement the blood democratic changes. CCC will never ever implement any reforms. If they failed to implement even one token reform during the 2008 to 2013 GNU when they had all the trump cards what hope is there doing so now when Zanu PF has all the trump cards. This is obvious!
But clearly not so, to the CCC wildebeest herd, who maintain that Nelson Chamisa and CCC are “our only hope fighting Zanu PF!” They are refusing to accept that CCC have any weaknesses.
“If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every election battle,” to paraphrase General Sun Tzu. Zanu PF is set to rig 2028 elections and get away with it just as the regime rigged the August 2023 and got away with it. This is the price the nation must pay for failing to admit CCC leaders are fallible mortals even in the face of all the evidence of their corruption and breathtaking incompetence.
20 comments:
@ David Mugadzi
“How can we (you and me) create a cross-partisan agenda for electoral reforms in Zimbabwe, which has proven to be a long-term challenge. In my view, it is crucial for the success of these reforms that all political stakeholders, both within and outside Parliament, fully support and engage in the process.
However, I must highlight the difficulty we have faced regarding Zimbabwe's political and governance system. The existing framework and institutions through which our nation is governed and political decisions are made have not been conducive to the changes we are advocating for especially during this period under discussion. The power dynamics, role distribution, and responsibilities within the country's political structure during the period under discussion have been inherently incompatible, much like water and oil. This has posed significant obstacles in the pursuit of meaningful reforms.
In light of these challenges, it is necessary for us to carefully consider the various approaches and strategies we can employ to address the existing inconveniences. Building a constructive political environment from a diverse range of perspectives is paramount, which requires the sincere commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders involved.
I would greatly appreciate your insights and inputs on this matter especially on the remediating side. In your view what is the viable path forward for electoral reforms in Zimbabwe? Let us navigate this challenging terrain together to achieve positive change and a brighter future for our nation. Ok, let’s say the opposition and the ruling party of that time failed, what do you offer other than criticism, as far as this issue is concerned?”
As long as people feel the present system is working they will not accept change. The truth is the present system has been a total disaster. MDC/CCC leaders have proven beyond all reason out that they are corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent. After 23 years, 5 of which in the GNU and they have failed to implement even one democratic reform what else must they do to prove they are incompetent, for Pete’s sake.
The truth is MDC/CCC leaders’ failure to implement even one reform has been water off a duck’s back for most people is because they had no clue what the reforms are much less the consequences of failing to implement them. Even now with the benefit of hindsight many have no clue what the reforms are, etc.
“Ok, let’s say the opposition and the ruling party of that time failed, what do you offer other than criticism, as far as this issue is concerned?” You hit the nail on the head right there!
It is not a matter of “let’s say’” the system has failed and saying so is speaking the truth and not “criticism”! Everyone should see this because it is not rocket science, the truth is many DO NOT see it.
If you are blind you have no choice but to trust the one guiding you and blame some one else for the ditches, the mud, etc.
The solution is to educate the people and encourage them to open their eyes and think for themselves. It is inexcusable that many of our intellectuals and professionals still do not know what constitute free and fair elections, It is not rocket science for Pete’s sake. And until we have men and women who will accept the present political system has failed not will change.
@ Benjamin
Some one like Amos Chibaya will never boycott the elections and give up the ministerial perks and the rest are fighting for MP perks. CCC leaders are participating out of greed.
Povo have no clue what is going on and will do what ever they are told no questions asked. They believed that Chamisa had plugged all the vote rigging holes even as FAZ was frogmarching voters to attend Zanu PF rallies and Mnangagwa was splashing fortunes bribing judges, etc.
So in participating in the flawed elections povo were giving Zanu PF legitimacy and perpetuating their own suffering. This is why ignorance and stupidity are a curse worse than death, they make you your own worst enemy.
@ Chirasha
“Boycotting elections is the worst thing an opposition can ever do. In soccer if you don't turn up, it's walk over points taken. You don't complain anywhere. Why in politics if you don't play. Some thinking here you wonder. What changes do you ever make by boycotting?”
What you are showing here is your complete lack of imagination and rational thinking.
“The (2013) electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility,” confessed David Coltart in his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe.
Put aside the arguments, valid or otherwise Coltart put forward to back his conclusion that the “only logical step was to withdraw”. Are you saying there are NO circumstances that could justify one coming to a similar conclusion? What if the process is so flawed and illegal that there can only be one predetermined winner and that by participating you will only give the vote rigging party legitimacy and perpetuating your own suffering.
The only reason Coltart have been participating no matter how flawed and illegal the process got is greed, as he explained above.
AU and SADC election observers have all condemned the 2023 Zimbabwe elections as a farce, the continental and region bodies should have come up with resolutions instructing Zimbabwe to implement the necessary reforms to ensure next elections are free, fair and credible, at the very least. If no reforms are implemented no one in their right mind would be expected to participate regardless. And the AU and SADC in turn will be expected to punish Zanu PF for failing to hold free and fair elections again!
If Zanu PF is assured that the opposition will participate in the flawed elections no matter what and guaranteed that both AU and SADC grant the regime political legitimacy no matter what, then there will be no need for Zanu PF to even bother with any rules and laws.
The very fact that anyone is making such foolish argument in support of participating in flawed election no matter what speaks volumes of the individual. How can anyone be so shallow, thick and slow! Alas! In Zimbabwe have millions of such shallow minded individuals and, worst of all, they have the vote. No wonder the country is a failed state and doomed to remain a failed state.
Sfb
“Against international election rigging systems, ZANU-PF has every right to rig elections if necessary, to protect Zimbabwe from foreign control!”
The white colonial regime justified its oppressive colonial system on the basis it was protecting the country from being over-run by the communists. And since independence the people have been once again denied their freedoms and human rights to protect the country from being recolonised by the West!
There is nothing original in your idiotic argument, Zanu PF is a party of corrupt, incompetent and murderous thugs who are denying their own fellow blacks their freedoms and rights for selfish greed. A very common story in independent Africa for we not only are incapable of self governing but have a knack for preying on our own kith and kin and enjoy to see them suffer and die!
So now Zanu PF is using "the corrupt among Zimbabwe's opposition collaborates with those who have destroyed Zimbabwe's economy," to justify its own corruption and tyrannical oppression. Your stupidity knows no bounds.
@ Mujuru
“When engaging in a debate or discussion, it's crucial to maintain a respectful and constructive approach. Here are some tips to avoid attacking others when debating a topic:
1. Focus on the issues: Keep the discussion centred on the topic at hand rather than making personal attacks. Address the specific points being discussed and provide evidence to support your perspective.
2. Use respectful language: Be mindful of the language you use and avoid derogatory or inflammatory remarks. Respectful language fosters a more positive and productive exchange of ideas.
3. Listen actively: Pay attention to what the other person is saying and make an effort to understand their viewpoint. This demonstrates respect and can lead to a more meaningful exchange of ideas.
4. Avoid making assumptions: Refrain from making assumptions about the other person's intentions, beliefs, or character. Instead, ask clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of their perspective.
5. Acknowledge valid points: If the other person makes a valid point, acknowledge it. This shows that you are open to considering different viewpoints and can help build rapport.
6. Stay calm and composed: Emotions can run high during debates, but it's important to remain calm and composed. Take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding, and avoid reacting impulsively.
7. Focus on finding common ground: Look for areas of agreement and common goals. Emphasising common ground can help shift the tone of the discussion from adversarial to collaborative.
Remember that the goal of a debate or discussion is to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and potentially reach a better understanding of the topic at hand. By approaching discussions with respect and open-mindedness, you can contribute to a more positive and constructive dialogue.”
This is very sound advice and it only works when there is an understanding by all concerned to do unto others as you want them to do unto you. When the is the sinister intention to respect the laws only when it helps you and to revert to the darwinian dominate or be dominated the advice is useless. When the debate stops being a civilised one, one must stop pretending it is.
Like it or not there are stupid fools out there who are so naive and gullible they have been conned into believe CCC will win big elections so flawed and illegal every election observer condemned them as a farce. Even after 43 years of Zanu PF mafiosi rigging elections they still continue to believe in winning rigged elections! There really is nothing to acknowledge here and the only thing to do is to be brutally honest and tell these individual the truth - that they are insane!
As for those who disregard the rules of civil debate those in the position to enforce the rules must do so without fear, favour and swiftly too. What is the point of having the rules if they are not enforced!
@ Benji
How naive!
What does not change is the reality that Zanu PF rigged the 2023 election and by participating CCC and the public gave SADC leaders the excuse to grant Zanu PF legitimacy. CCC participated out of greed, they were after the few gravy train seat on offer to entice the opposition. The public participated because they naive and gullible, so naive they believe Chamisa had plugged all the vote rigging loop-holes.
You can embrace Mnangagwa as “our president” and proclaim that he is “developing the country for us all”. The truth is by rigging the 2023 elections he has just confirmed that Zimbabwe is a pariah state ruled by corrupt , incompetent and vote rigging thugs. And as long as the country remains a pariah state there will be no meaningful economic development.
You are just a Zanu PF apologist or trying to be if you were not one already, desperate to impress the regime for a share of the looted wealth. You do not care that the rest of the country is sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss under Zanu PF misrule as long as you get some scraps.
Zimbabwe is a failed state because we cannot even hold free, fair and credible elections. What is there to be proud of a buffoon who spends over US$ 5 billion in rigging elections to stay in power, money that should be used for the good of all wasted on the glory of a tyrant and his cronies!
The biggest challenge before us today is how to end the Zanu PF dictatorship; the insanity and the tragic human suffering and deaths cannot be allowed to continue. And all you care about is how to prop it up for a share of the spoils. How typical!
@ Tich General
“Tell me Mukori. Between Mnangagwa and Chamisa, who cares more about the people than selfish interest.”
Neither Chamisa nor Mnangagwa care about the common people.
Zimbabwe is a failed state and millions are living in abject poverty because of 43 year of corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical Zanu PF rule. The regime has managed to stay in power all these years because it rigged elections.
MDC/CCC has failed to implement even one reform in 23 years, 5 in the GNU, to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections. And worst of all, ever since the GNU debacle MDC/CCC has participated in rigged elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy out of greed.
Therefore to ask me to chose which of the two, Chamisa or Mnangagwa, is not corrupt and incompetent is as foolish as a mouse having to chose between a cobra and a black mamba!
The reason why people like you insist the choice is between these two is because you do not have the common sense to not only realise that both are corrupt and incompetent but more significantly that CCC is now running with the povo hare whilst hunting with the Zanu PF hounds.
To end the Zanu PF dictatorship the nation must elect competent men and women who will implement the reforms, the task CCC leaders were elected to carry out but have failed to do. The choice for the nation is no long one of which one to get rid of Zanu PF or CCC. It is one of to get rid of Zanu PF we must get rid of CCC as the country’s opposition because the later is now helping to give Zanu PF legitimacy!
@ Musa
“MUKORI LET ME TELL YOU THAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU YOU ARE TRYING. CHANGE IS ON THE WAY EVEN IF CHAMISA RESIGNED FROM BEING A ZANU PF OPPOSER. LIKE ME AM NOT WAITING FOR CHAMISA ONLY BT FOR EVERYONE WITH POTENTIAL TO LEAD US TO A NEW ZIMBABWE. AND EVEN YOU ALTHOUGH YOU ARE ON A MISSION BUT YOU KNOW THE TRUTH. ITS ONLY THAT I CAN'T COMPARE YOU WITH MAVAZA KKKK”
What matters is the facts on the ground and the truth is the 2023 elections was another chance to bring about real change in Zimbabwe and it was wasted! By participating in the flawed and illegal elections Zimbabweans gave those SADC leaders hell-bent on granting Zanu PF political legitimacy the excuse to do so.
Chamisa and his CCC participated in the flawed elections out of greed; they knew Zanu PF will give away a few gravy train seats to entice the opposition and they have always found the bait irresistible. To hide their greed Chamisa told the public CCC will win big because he had plugged all the vote rigging loop holes. “God is in it!” All hot air of course but what matters is many Zimbabweans, including intellectuals, the nation’s creme de la creme, believed him!
I do not see CCC getting even one token reform implemented before 2028 elections, expect the party to con the public with rehashed winning in rigged elections oxymoronic bull and Zanu PF rigging the 2028 elections.
We are a failed state because we don’t even have the common sense to define what constitute free and fair elections; even after 43 years of independence and in this day and age. That is truly tragic!
@ Chickenbreast
“Some people will never learn, for example Wilbert and his other supporters they keep rewinding the same issues. Since I joined this group his song is the same mdc sold out during inclusive up to date. Its even worse to read his articles. Chinjaaaa mwana wekumakudo iwe.”
And yet, what I have said all along has come true; without first implementing the democratic reforms Zanu PF will rig and win these elections!
MDC leaders did sell out during the 2008 to 2013 GNU by failing to implement even one reform, that is a fact. Worst of all, that betrayal has come back to haunt us big time because by granting Zanu PF legitimacy SADC leaders have left us facing a real grime choice - how the devil are we going to get the damn reforms implemented before the 2028 elections. The certainty of Zanu PF rigging the 2028 elections and CCC participating out of greed is real and yet unthinkable.
It is very sad that there are dimwits like you who still attacking me for saying the truth. No wonder we are a failed state, we have too many dimwits and, worst of all, they have the vote. It is like giving a monkey a loaded gun!
By participating in flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy and perpetuating the dictatorship you are your own worst enemy. How can you know that when you have stopped thinking, your oxygen starved brain has ossified into fat - the price you pay for spending most of you time with your head up Chamisa's backside. Chamisa chete chete!
@ Kennedy
I ask you again, did you believe in the oxymoronic nonsense that Chamisa had plugged all the vote rigging loop holes because "2 million something voted for Chamisa"? Even if everyone believe d Chamisa what he said will still remain "oxymoronic nonsense" and I will never ever believe in it just because the herd did! Never!
But then such clear thinking is not possible to those whose brain has all but ossified. Well chose to spend you time with your head up Chamisa's back side and must pay the price!
@ Tichareva
“Some corrections:
1. I am not the one in that video - I am just a messenger
2. Zanu PF did not rig - you have no evidence
3. The people of Zimbabwe voted for what they want. They were not forced, and that’s democracy yamunochemera
4. We have no capable opposition in Zimbabwe
5. ED is your president for the next 5 years. The sooner you accept that reality the better
6. Nyika haitongwe pa social media
You guys make me laugh.”
Did you read SADC election observers’ report and ZHRC report all said the elections were flawed and illegal or that too is not enough evidence for you? Zanu rigged the 23 August 2023 elections that is a historic fact.
If the election process was flawed and illegal, and we have already established that is a historic, it is therefore nonsense to claim the people voted for whom they liked.
Zimbabwe is a failed state and the economic, social and political consequences of this are the economic ruins and the fact that millions are living in abject poverty today. By rigging the August elections Zanu PF has just confirmed that Zimbabwe is a pariah state and certain to remain a failed state for the foreseeable future. This is a no laughing matter to those at the coal face of the failed state!
Henry Kissinger was one of those world leaders who, it must be said, left his big foot print on this world, for good some would say but others will not agree. Still, a great deal many will agree on the first part; he did indeed leave a big foot print.
One of the memorable things he said that power should be exercised tampered with morality; without it, it is dangerous - we in Zimbabwe know that only too well!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-32102765
Henry Kissinger died today aged 100 years. R I P. Godspeed!
To win in battle as in everything in life one must know the enemy's weaknesses and strengths and know one's own weaknesses and strengths. We have participated in flawed and illegal elections only to give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy because we have failed to acknowledge even our blatantly obvious weakness - corrupt and incompetent opposition leaders.
MDC/CCC leaders have not only sold out on reformers they have been participating in flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy out of greed. CCC are running with the povo hare but hunting with Zanu PF hounds. Of course, Zanu PF has known this and taking full advantage of it.
It is naive to say the least to expect a CCC big win in an election so flawed Chamisa et al are hell bent in participating knowing fully well the process is rigged and conniving with the enemy to deceive povo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DGQxdIot8U
@ Tichareva
“I read the SADC report - it is full of nonsense. In fact, I criticise it for not being balanced, otherwise I would have taken it.
I am based in SA. I came home to vote. What I saw in the running of elections is par excellency and within global standards!
Unfortunately the late distribution of ballot papers to about 200 polling stations was unwarranted and became the major talking point. But for me that is material when we consider that we had just above 12,500 polling stations.”
It is either you do not know what constitute free, fair and credible elections or you know but are in denial because you do care millions of Zimbabweans continue to be denied this fundamental human right. Either way, it is not worth my while pursuing this discussion any further!
@ Mdawin
“VaMukonori kuno kuzimbabwe Chamisa ndiye anorira.”
The most important question here is how many of the people in Zimbabwe KNOW anything about democratic reforms and that Zanu PF has been rigging elections and perpetuating their suffering because MDC/CCC leaders sold out on reforms? People loving Chamisa out of ignorance are no different from those who voted for Zanu PF under duress.
The Greeks were right that democracy only works when the people are educated. Giving some one a vote who hardly knows their left hand from their right is as dangerous as giving a monkey a loaded gun!
@ Tichareva
“What fundamental human rights? Who in this world has the credibility to educate us on human rights? The very people who have committed unspeakable atrocities around the world?”
No black Zimbabwean would ever dispute that the white colonialists were oppressive what is outrageous is that you are now using THAT as the excuse for oppressing your fellow blacks.
I am a black Zimbabwean and you are talking down to me.I am the one demanding the right to a meaningful vote but you talk over me addressing the imaginary white men “who have committed unspeakable atrocities around the world” behind me because you have never given any credit to a black person asking for their rights. It is nothing new, this is exactly how the white Rhodesians treated blacks.
Blacks were generally address as “boy” or “girl” regardless of the individual’s age which explains why the white refused to give blacks the vote - they would have sooner given a five year old white child the vote than a 50 year old black “boy/girl” regardless of their education qualifications!
Zanu PF granted the ordinary blacks the vote grudging, after all the party had promised “One man, one vote!” The part tried to take away the vote by creating a de jure one party state and in the end settled for a de facto one party state. The party has rigged elections and insisted the elections are free and fair!
The last 43 years since independence have bee wasted fighting for the same freedoms and rights we fought for before independence. Of course, it is sad and tragic but that is what happens when buffoons are in power - we swapped white oppressors for blacks one!
@ Tich General
“Mukori toita sei kuti tibude from this Quagmire. Should we die because of these politicians who have failed us. We can't keep on talking MDC/CCC this ZANU PF that. We should now set standards that we control.”
The trouble with simple minded people is that they make a mountain out of a molehill and a simple and straightforward matter becomes mission impossible.
You were warned that MDC/CCC have not only sold out on reforms but are participating in flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy out of greed. You were told it is sheer folly to participate and give SADC the excuse to grant Zanu PF legitimacy. You did not listen and, worst of all, refused to think for yourself. You still refuse to think for yourself and so have learned nothing.
Fast forward to 2028, Chamisa et all will be participating in those elections with no reforms implemented out of greed. To hide the greed, he will come up with the usual oxymoronic winning in rigged elections strategies and you will believe him. We all know what will happen next!
Of course, it is insane that anyone believed in CCC winning big the 2023 elections especially after 43 years of Zanu PF mafiosi rigging the elections. Come 2028 will be saying after 40 years of mafiosi rigging the elections because many Zimbabweans do not want to learn and to think for themselves!
A healthy and functioning democracy demands an educated and diligent electorate and not a lazy, ignorant and gullible lot! No one is going to force Zimbabweans to learn and think but we should also know that the price of failing to do so is the failed state.
@ Masarira
“Most ordinary houses in low residential areas and medium density areas in Zimbabwe are, on average, worth 100 000USD and that will mean every person owning a house will be compelled to lay this so called wealth tax. The proposed wealth/mansion tax should be reviewed to 250 000USD so that ordinary Zimbabweans are not choked by these unending taxes.”
This is just wishful thinking! We all know that the slide-rule will be moving in the opposite direction so that even those living in mud-huts will end top paying tax.
A decent house is the single most valuable asset most people have. Many people have worked hard to and invested everything to make sure they have a decent home. As the country’s economy has continued to sink throwing millions into abject poverty many have struggled to get enough to eat and to pay for other basic necessities of life. The one thing they have not worried about is where to live. Now that has changed.
The regime is desperate for money, so desperate it is calling a mud-hovel a mansion for tax purposes. Now people know that they must worry about food, cloths, education, health care and above all accommodation - they are just too poor to afford to live is a mud-hovel!
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