FOUNDER and leader of the Democratic Official Party (DOP), Harry Peter Wilson — who contested the controversial August 2023 presidential elections — has slammed the country’s opposition for its failure to hold the ruling Zanu PF party to account while also condemning the state of governance in the country.
This comes as Zanu PF is coalescing around the ED2030 campaign in which the ruling party is calling for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028 when he is constitutionally expected to have completed his second and final term.
Wilson made the remarks at a time when the country is experiencing deepening economic stagnation manifesting through closures of formal trading entities, a falling domestic currency and institutionalised corruption, among a myriad of ills bedevilling Zimbabwe.
In an interview with NewsDay, during which he also announced that Khumbulani Ncube will continue as the party’s secretary-general, Wilson bemoaned the state of the country’s opposition parties, accusing them of foisting a family-dominated leadership and lacking vision.
“Zimbabweans have been frog-marched into believing in a genuine opposition, but what we’ve had are fake leaders prioritising self-gain over the people’s needs,” he remarked, adding that their actions had plunged the country into deeper economic and social disarray.
He said the opposition failed to hold Zanu PF accountable and had betrayed the public by derailing one of the continent’s best constitutions.
“What we have is an unfaithful opposition bent on creating false impressions and Zimbabweans must not fall for these groups, which have been formed as alternatives to alleviate the plight of the citizens,” Wilson said.
“What they are really there for is selfish interest and vehicle perks, among other goodies.
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“It’s very, very bad, especially when you look around and see collapsing industries and an agricultural system that is not working optimally.”
The DOP leader, who described Zimbabwe’s opposition as a “laughing stock” since independence from Britain in 1980, added that his political outfit had seen the urgency of launching its campaign in order to amplify their message across Zimbabwe.
Consequently, Wilson said, Zimbabweans must rally together to secure a brighter future as the country prepares for its next political chapter, adding that the DOP presented itself as the torchbearer of a new Zimbabwe — built on integrity, accountability and a commitment to serving the people.
The opposition leader outlined his party’s bold vision for Zimbabwe, highlighting key priorities his party will champion, including employment creation, economic stabilisation, revitalisation of healthcare, education, agriculture and industry as well as promoting international relations.
Wilson took a swipe at the obtaining campaign for the extension of the presidential term, which is being championed by Mnangagwa loyalists with the backing of some Citizens Coalition for Change legislators, warning that selfish and misguided politicians may exploit it to mislead the public.
“We are at a crossroads. The choices we make now will shape our nation’s destiny for generations,” he said, while appealing to Zimbabweans to rise above political deception to embrace a genuine, people-centred democracy.
He urged citizens to critically evaluate the promises of some parties and not fall for recycled narratives.
“This is a defining moment for Zimbabwe. We must save lives to save our nation,” Wilson declared.
“Zimbabweans deserve leadership that prioritises their needs, not the selfish ambitions of a few.”
