there was a mix of right and wrong direction. MDC‐T supporter sentiments remained roughly the same,
except that there was quite an increase in the view that there was no movement.
Table 1:
Direction in which Zimbabwe is moving as judged by party supporters, 2010 and 2012
Political party (%)
Direction
ZANU‐PF
MDC‐T
My vote is my secret
2010
2012
2010
2012
2010
2012
Right direction
51
48
26
23
27
35
Wrong direction
26
19
40
38
15
25
Bit of both
15
25
21
24
25
30
Not moving at all
1
6
7
14
15
7
Don’t know / Refuse
7
1
6
1
8
4
Note: Q8A (2012), ‘How do you feel about the general direction in which Zimbabwe is moving’?
Idealism anchored in constitution‐making, referendum, elections
Zimbabweans link their hope for further change and a better future to four unfolding phenomena and
processes in Zimbabwe: the practice of Inclusive Government in which the main political parties are in a
power‐sharing arrangement, the process of constitution‐making, the expected pre‐election referendum
to test popular support for the draft constitution, and the elections that are expected by June 2013.4 At
the time of the survey, an unofficial preliminary draft of the constitution had already been selectively
leaked and infused public discussions.
The IG, the constitution‐making process and the referendum (a 2012‐specific survey item; Q11) give
close to 50% of Zimbabweans hope for a better future. With the addition of the ‘neither hope nor doubt’
responses, these percentages rise to 57, 60 and 59%, on the three processes respectively.
The same trend, just much stronger, emerged on Zimbabweans’ hope associated with elections. A total
of 62% believe that the next election will ring in a better future, rising to 74% with the inclusion of the
‘neither hope nor doubt’ category (Table 2).
It is simultaneously clear nevertheless that a substantial amount of cynicism continues, especially
around the IG, but also on the emerging constitution and the role of the referendum. Zimbabweans
remain divided (Q11A), specifically on whether IG will lead Zimbabwe to a better future (47% yes; 34%
no). Cynicism about the next round of elections is far smaller (also see section below). The 47% that
4
By August 2012 there were varied opinions in Zimbabwe’s political circles as to whether there may be an
extension beyond June 2013. Some averred that the president would have three months leeway to implement
elections proclaimed by mid‐2012; others noted that the President tended to not proclaim virtually at will, as had
been the case, for example, in the vacancies in the prevailing parliament. The formal position remained ‘not later
than June 2013’.
16
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