In recent times, the political landscape in Zimbabwe has become a microcosm reflecting a broader global narrative of democracy, power, and the will of the people. The polemic remarks of the expelled ZANU PF legislator, Killer Zivhu, have sparked a vibrant discourse among Zimbabweans. He articulates a disenchantment with the electoral process, deeming it a futile exercise that only squanders the nation’s resources given that the outcomes have perennially been contested. Instead, he advocates for an inclusive dialogue among major political stakeholders and proposes the establishment of a unity government.
Zivhu’s arguments resonate with many, given the existing electoral laws that are seen as unjust, unfree, and largely discredited. The ruling party’s stronghold is further reinforced by the misuse of state institutions and resources. This hegemony manifests through the weaponization of the law, biased distribution of food aid, agricultural inputs, and poverty alleviation assistance. The historical narrative of state-sponsored, politically motivated violence has cast a long, gloomy shadow over the country, with hundreds of opposition supporters bearing the brunt of this brutal repression.
Amidst this heated debate, a reminiscent statement from Jonathan Moyo, a former ZANU PF Politburo member and cabinet minister, on 5th October 2016, reverberates through the corridors of power. Moyo boldly declared that the government would “never reform itself out of power”, dismissing calls by opposition parties, civil society, and the citizenry for substantive electoral, political, and democratic reforms. This audacious declaration was neither unfounded nor the erratic outburst of a despotic ruler; it was a stark reality facing many modern constitutional democracies across the globe.
The historical fabric of democratic evolution reveals that no ruling party has ever willingly relinquished power or enacted reforms that could potentially undermine its dominance. This is not just a Zimbabwean narrative but a global one. Over the past year, even reputed democratic nations like France and the United Kingdom have seemingly regressed, making moves to constrict democratic spaces. France’s new security bill criminalises the publishing of images of police officers engaged in brutality, while the UK’s new policing bill has been criticised as an attempt to quash demonstrations, particularly under the guise of COVID-19 regulations.
This global trend evokes a poignant question: How did nations, now revered as bastions of democracy, evolve to their current status? The answer lies in the annals of history, where citizen-driven movements were the catalysts for change. The French and English Revolutions were pivotal in morphing the political systems of these countries, as the citizenry stood resilient against tyrannical monarchies, demanding democratic reforms.
The narrative unfolds similarly in both France and the UK, where citizens are presently resisting any form of regressive reforms. This spirited resistance underscores a quintessential lesson for Zimbabwe and other nations grappling with autocratic regimes: democracy is not a benevolent gift from those in power but a triumphant result of the people’s relentless struggle against repression.
The Zimbabwean situation beckons a deeper introspection and a collective global reflection on the essence of democracy, the allure of power, and the indomitable spirit of resistance. The road to genuine democratic reforms is long and arduous, yet history proves that only the unwavering resolve of the citizens can alter the course of a nation’s destiny.
About The Author
