New party vows to shake up political landscape, promises electoral reforms

HARARE – The United People’s Nation (UPN), a new political party, has vowed to become the country’s leading opposition party, boldly stating it had the machinery to ensure that much-needed electoral reforms are implemented to break the cycle of disputed elections.

This comes as the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the country’s leading opposition, faces criticism for its perceived lack of political will to challenge controversial policies by the ruling Zanu PF government with some critics labeling it as a ruling party appendage.

UPN was formed in June 2023 but did not contest the disputed August 23-24 elections that saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa retain his presidency.

In January this year, Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader dumped the party he formed two years ago, telling supporters the CCC had been “contaminated” and “hijacked” by the government.

“I will have nothing to do with sewer politics,” he said in a 13-page statement.

With the CCC accused of aiding and abetting Mnangagwa’s ploy to extend his second and final term to 2030 after one of its spokespersons, Nqobizitha Mlilo, proposed that the 2028 elections be postponed to allow for the formation of a government of national unity, the UPN now believes it will soon be the country’s leading opposition party.

UPN president Garikai Muza in an interview said his party’s grassroots approach will lead in the envisaged surge of popularity.

“We aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive political landscape, we firmly believe that the exchange of diverse viewpoints, thoughts, debates, and constructive discussions will lead us towards better governance and a strong democracy, our presence will continue to be felt through our active involvement in grassroots movements, community outreach programs, and advocacy efforts.

“As UPN we have great confidence in becoming Zimbabwe’s new strong and reliable political party considering the decreasing confidence in opposition parties among the majority of Zimbabwe.

“UPN is God’s vision, a mandate, an assignment and instruction given alone by God. We are to be the change that Zimbabwe is looking for to reach its full potential as a country,” said Muza.

Muza said the country was currently in a political logjam and there was an urgency to implement inclusive new policies that detoxified the political landscape and bred new ground for economic boom.

Some Zimbabwean opposition parties have in the past failed to garner popularity in mainstream Zimbabwean politics despite having compelling political, economic and development ideas, this has been attributed by some analysts that the electorate mainly focuses on personalities rather than political ideologies.

Muza also made a bold assertion that his party would achieve in ensuring electoral reforms are successfully implemented where other opposition parties have failed.

“UPN believes it can address the challenges of electoral reforms that previous opposition outfits failed to lobby for, and articulate the issue of electoral reforms differently to break the cycle of disputed elections.

“Given space UPN is well able and positioned to address these. There is the Holy Ghost in charge, the grace of God and his wisdom, we are a very serious party which is going forward upwards only, we have people at heart.

“We are a new political party without blemish or spot, we are national politicians, we stand for the people we are guided, we are a new blood new leadership excluding old politicians but new faces only that is coming to lead the children of zimbabwe to a promised land, flowing with milk and honey Cannan,” said Muza.