There are clear dangers in an extended period of power sharing, and an assessment of the experience of Kenya reveals a number of dangers that could, or already have become apparent, in the Zimbabwe situation. Amongst the biggest problems facing such an option are the following: 1. While new spaces may allow for the opening up of more spaces for political activity, this period also allows the more repressive forces in the state to become retrenched. 2. Dual political structures in the state create conflicts between the competing parties. 3. The loss of confidence in the institutions of the state and a growing disillusionment with the experience of an inclusive government. 4. The convergence of interests between the parties over the sharing of state resources. 5. A halt in the progress of the constitutional review progress. 6. Divisions in civil society over the GPA. 7. The lack of a viable alternative strategy for the opposition, thus reducing its leverage in the inclusive government.26 All these dangers point to a key feature of such arrangements in both Kenya and Zimbabwe, as Cliffe clearly points out: What has to be recognised in both countries is the enormous extent to which under the veneer of power-sharing political competition has continued, merely taking different forms. Here it is worth recalling the broader context, brought out by many analyses of operations of African states in the last two decades of neo-liberalism, to the effect that there has been such a curtailing of assets available to satisfy all would be elites let alone clients, that the competition is likely to see more exclusions.27 The fierceness with which Zanu PF has held onto state power, despite a clear electoral loss, bears witness to this process. This analysis also sheds light on the Mugabe regime’s continued attempts to halt the progress of the GPA, and initial reports of corruption over state resources in the MDC.28 It is also apparent that the much smaller MDC (M) formation favours a more extended period of power sharing because it is unlikely to survive a new election in its present form.                                                              26  For a discussion of the experiences of Kenya see the following: Kwamchetsi Makokha, “Riven with divisions:  Kenya’s singular tragedy.” Pambazuka, Issue 431, 07/05/09; N.Cheeseman and M‐B Tendi, “Power‐sharing in  Comparative perspective: The dynamics of ‘Unity Government’ in Kenya and Zimbabwe”, Journal of Contemporary  African Studies, forthcoming; Lionel Cliffe, “Power‐Sharing: A Comparison of Kenya and Zimbabwe”, Paper for  LUCAS Conference ‘Africa and Democratisation’, Leeds, 4‐5th December 2009.     27  Cliffe ibid.  28  Faith Zaba,“MDC Ministers face EU sanctions over corruption”. www.theindependent.co.zw/local/25059‐mdc‐ minsters‐face=eu‐sanctions‐over‐corruption Accessed on 22/01/10.  12