What are you going to give us to vote for you?
The campaign is clearly underway. My feet know it. I got my flyer printed on Tuesday, and Wednesday went to the Mutambara/Makoni meet the candidate event at Northside Community Church, organized by Trudy Stevenson.
I arrived early, met some old friends, helped set up a bit, and stood in the car park and handed out my flyer. Quite unashamed. Then sat inside (very small turnout, about 60 people) and listened to the candidates – could not see them, there was no power! Highlights to hear were Margaret Dongo, Trudy herself and Arthur Mutambara. He is a serious academic. Made me feel like I was back in political science class at university. Very good speaker, and definitely smart, (he would do a fine job if he could implement what he says) just not ‘street’ talk.
Thursday day, I went street walking. Did Kensington and Avondale shops, and bits in between. Sore feet for it. The response – very good. People wanted to know who was Michael Laban? I guess they did not expect to see a poor white guy on foot and bicycle handing out his own leaflets. But the people who actually spoke to me will support me! Whether they were just being nice, or will actually put the X down beside my face on the day (if they are able to vote with this confusion), we will know afterwards. (Maybe on the 30th, but I suspect it will take longer than that – who wants to bring me food at the counting station?)
It was sad walking around. Aside from Avondale shops having no power (for two days some told me), the streets are BAD, there is rubbish everywhere (the stickiest lot is the ‘government’) water flows in many places it is not supposed to flow in – but the people are out there, trying to get by. Still friendly, non-violent, bearing up. My first stop was the Police station – maybe taking Openness and Transparency a little far, but thought I should let them know what their next door neighbour is doing – and the man on the desk was not concerned in the least. Accepted the flyer, smiled, wish me a happy day, etc. No sign he feels threatened by political violence in Zimbabwe.
A common question from the floor/street was, “What are you going to give us to vote for you?” It seems that vote buying is expected. After all, they get nothing between elections (not even meetings to express their wants). I just had to explain, I am ex-Zanu PF, and ex-MDC, and proud of it (proud that I have left!), and I do not buy votes. Vote for me now, and we will see if I can make a difference. To society as a whole, not to any individual. (That is why I describe myself as a Socialist.)
I also dropped off leaflets with old hands (who worked for me in the last elections), who want me in again. Which is very gratifying, and I hope indicates I did something right back then.