Political Reporter
Nelson Chamisa yesterday’s address was described by various political analysts as unpalatable, hollow and meaningless speech which did little to rejuvenate the MDC Alliance that has been affected by massive exodus of supporters to Zanu PF in recent weeks.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, political analysts Reuben Muchenje, said Chamisa`s address, dubbed Agenda 2021, was almost the same as his January 21 2020 speech on which he blamed his political failures on the Government and ZANU PF.
“Chamisa’s yesterday’s address was devoid of anything new from his usual rhetoric. The address contained nothing new which has not been covered in previous MDC policy documents. The people’s expectations were that yesterday Chamisa was going to give out something that spells hope for the year ahead but, alas, nothing like that happened,” said Muchenje.
Muchenje’s sentiments were echoed by political analyst Tashinga Chabayanzara who described Chamisa as a “man still living in the political wilderness”.
“To say the truth, I was disappointed by Chamisa. Three years after the 2018 elections, he is still questioning the credibility and acceptability of that election. I expected him to address the future and outline strategies that will see his party win the forth coming elections. His speech did little to inspire his supporters into believing that he has a winning formula for 2023,” added Chabayanzara.
Getrude Marufu said Chamisa’s speech was just a regurgitation of the tired opposition party’s old policies and speeches lumped together. She said the only new thing about the message was the title “Agenda 2021” as everything else he presented yesterday was like old wine in new bottles.
Marufu said Chamisa chose to mislead his followers by insinuating that the underperformance of the country’s economy was due to incompetency and corruption by Government officials.
“Every sane Zimbabwean knows that the country has been under economic sanctions for almost two decades. If Chamisa wanted to say the truth, he should have told his followers that sanctions are affecting the country’s economic performance instead of putting the blame on the Government,” said Marufu.
Another political analysts, Wilbert Shonhiwa, said Chamisa was wrong in blaming the Government of trying to have a one party state as there are over 20 political parties that are freely operating in Zimbabwe.
Shonhiwa added that Chamisa should instead show his leadership acumen instead of blaming the Government of destroying his party.
In his hour long speech, Chamisa blamed the Government of being authoritarian, an assertion that was dismissed by political analysts who instead commended the New Dispensation for opening up the political space so that willing participants can participate freely.
