Categories: Stories

Twenty years ago- There is no opposition in heaven

Debate on the introduction of a one-party state in Zimbabwe has been on and off for the past year. Although the matter seemed to have been resolved when President Mugabe said it would not be legislated, he has nevertheless since said it is still the goal of his ruling party to establish a one-party state.

It has never been clearly stated why a one-party state is necessary except that it will enhance unity and that it is desirable because “we should live as one family under one party”.

When Malawi introduced its one party state 25 years ago, a permanent secretary gave the following reason for the need to have a one party state:

“There is no opposition in heaven. God himself does not want opposition- that is why he chased Satan away. Why should Kamuzu have opposition?”

Mbare East Member of Parliament Tony Gara will probably take some comfort in this.

-From The Insider February 1991

(95 VIEWS)

Charles Rukuni

The Insider is a political and business bulletin about Zimbabwe, edited by Charles Rukuni. Founded in 1990, it was a printed 12-page subscription only newsletter until 2003 when Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation made it impossible to continue printing.

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