The problem with Zimbabwean politics is that ideas are rejected

The problem with Zimbabwean politics is that ideas are rejected for who proposes them than for their substance. This observation would come in such a dramatic fashion, from senior officials of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). It all had to do with the MDC's sudden volte-face on Constitutional Amendment Number 18 Bill. In explaining the decision, secretary-general in the Arthur Mutambara faction, Welshman Ncube, told parliament last week: "We believe that we cannot continue to conduct politics for the sake of politics. We believe that we must begin to conduct our politics in the service of the people, otherwise it is meaningless."

Why would a political party with ambitions to form the next government conduct politics for its own sake? Why would a party with clear policies and alternative propositions to reverse the current economic slide engage in something meaningless while potential voters suffer? It would appear the overriding quest has always been to see the back of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF, and hope that things will sort themselves out.