“Change or Die,” CPC Tells ZANU PF

Longevity in power is a feature shared by both Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF party and the Chinese Communist Party. Both parties have ruled their countries for decades, but China has collective leadership which accepts peaceful transfer of power and is open to international trade, while landlocked Zimbabwe is isolated, calling itself a republic, but one with flawed elections. Zimbabwe Independent’s Eric Mambo details advice given to Zimbabwean leaders visiting the Communist Party’s 18th Congress in Beijing – to accept change, along with new ideas and leaders. Chinese leaders, buoyed by China’s immense economic growth, vow to aim for more inclusive growth and fight corruption. The Chinese party offered advice to ZANU PF representatives: a change in leadership. Zimbabwe’s president is 88 years of age, in power since 1980. The advice echoes calls from African leaders such as Nelson Mandela. In a farewell address, China’s outgoing president, Hu Jintao, contended that corruption destroys political parties that refuse to change. Both countries have taboo topics, and for Zimbabwe, succession is one. – Yale Global