The party of the late former Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Prime Minister, Retired Bishop Abel Muzorewa, the United African National Council, on Wednesday added its voice to the call by some opposition parties urging for national dialogue to salvage the country from its current political, social and economic crisis.
Nesbert Mtengezanwa, who took over the party following Muzorewa's death in 2010, told journalists in Harare that the only way President Robert Mugabe can save Zimbabwe from its current economic woes would be to engage the opposition political parties in finding solutions to the country's problems.
Mtengezanwa said it was clear Mr. Mugabe and his policies have ruined the country hence the need to engage Zimbabweans from other political parties.
Asked why the party has been quiet over the years, Mtengezanwa who was flanked by several party members like secretary general Aplhios Mapuranga and his deputy Percy Chigodora, said they were active though they were not participating in elections, adding they have representation in all provinces.
He said the party will soon launch its economic and policy blueprint in the next few weeks. Mtengezanwa said he believes his party can help offer solutions to the country's problems, especially since it participated in the Lancaster House peace talks that brought independence to Zimbabwe in 1980. He added also having been at the helm of the country before independence, the party is well-placed to help revive Zimbabwe's fortunes.
He also challenged journalists to cover all political parties equally and fairly.
Independent political analyst, Fortune Gwaza said the proliferation of opposition political parties in the country is worrying and but said a national dialogue on resolving the country's problems is welcome.
Ruling Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo could not be reached for comment. The main opposition party the Movement for Democratic Change led by former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and other opposition parties like the Tendai Biti led People's Democratic Party all agree that a national dialogue is the only way to resolve the country's economic, social and political crisis.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the national assembly, Jacob Mudenda, on Wednesday warned lawmakers against absenteeism saying Parliament would not hesitate the instruct its Privileges and Committee to deal with truant legislators.
The ruling follows the recent adjournment of the house on two occasions after it failed to constitute a quorum. Meanwhile, Mudenda said some of the cabinet ministers who have been accused of absenteeism from parliament business had apologized.