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Civil society groups snub Makoni presidential bid
Lance Guma, SW Radio Africa
February 11, 2008

http://www.swradioafrica.com/news110208/civsoc110208.htm

Former finance minister Simba Makoni is struggling to win the backing of sceptical civil society groups who at the weekend effectively distanced themselves from his presidential bid. Over 5000 delegates from various organisations, including the National Constitutional Assembly, Zimbabwe National Students Union, Bulawayo Agenda and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, met for the National Peoples Convention in Harare. It was during this meeting at the Rainbow Towers Hotel that the general sentiment from the speeches reflected a deep distrust for Makoni and his camp. Although the convention avoided committing to a resolution on the Makoni issue, the thunderous reception to NCA chairperson Lovemore Madhuku's criticism of Makoni gave away their feelings.

Addressing delegates Madhuku said Makoni's insistence that he was still Zanu PF meant they could not support him. 'We are not talking of personalities here but we are talking of changing the system of governance. We thank Makoni for helping us to destroy Zanu-PF, not that he is the leader we want. Makoni was and is still part of Zanu-PF, which presided over the collapse of our economy. He is still a Zanu-PF Politburo member and was part of those who watched and blessed the beatings of National Constitutional Assembly activists who were demanding a new constitution. He was there when the Gukurahundi atrocities were committed in Matabeleland and to now turn around and try to convince us that he is presidential material is very wrong.'

Other groups at the convention included:

• Christian Alliance
• Zimbabwe National Pastors Forum
• Padare
• Women's Coalition
• Zimbabwe Election Support Network
• Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
• Media Institute of Southern Africa
• The NGO Forum
• Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
• Women of Zimbabwe Arise

The groups resolved that irrespective of the results of the March 29th poll they will continue to campaign for a people driven constitution to ensure the country had a workable democracy. In the meantime member organisations were encouraged to conduct voter education campaigns and to call on Zimbabweans to turn out in large numbers to vote.

Pedzisai Ruhanya, a Programmes Manager with the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, told Newsreel most delegates felt they could not abandon those in the opposition who have been fighting Mugabe's regime, only to support an eleventh hour u-turn by someone who says they are still Zanu PF. Former ZINASU President Promise Mkwananzi has meanwhile said Makoni's bid will only split the opposition vote. He says Makoni's handlers are already campaigning to encourage the MDC leadership to step aside, even though Makoni has not stated what his plan to rescue the country is. 'He is sending the Tekere's to tell our leaders to step down on his behalf. He has not consulted anyone in the civics and we don't know yet what he is bringing with him from Zanu PF to measure his strength,' Mkwananzi said. He urged the opposition to continue campaigning under, 'a theory of constant mistrust.'

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