In the chessboard of Zimbabwean politics, the ruling party, ZANU PF, has often resorted to nefarious tactics to cling onto power, a phenomenon that sends shivers down the spine of democracy. The modus operandi, albeit deplorable, has statistics skewed in its favour. According to a revealing study by Collier&Hoeffler in 2009, politicians embroiled in violence and illegal practices, including abductions, are three times more likely to enjoy the spoils of office compared to their law-abiding counterparts.
The recent abduction of CCC political party members unveils the grim reality of partiality festering within the Police, Soldiers and Secret Services Agency (CIO). This, coupled with the denial of rally permissions for CCC, is a blatant electoral ploy aimed at stifling opposition voter turnout whilst ensuring ZANU PF’s voter base remains untouched. As Zimbabwe navigates towards another election, the tarnished health of its democratic space is glaringly apparent. A society that ought to champion political participation is instead morphing into a theatre of hostility, employing threats to skew voter choices and discourage political assemblies.
The saga doesn’t end here. The main opposition wing leader, Chamisa, exudes confidence during public addresses, epitomising the hope of a rising sun. However, the undercurrent of uncertainty regarding his promises of granting Zimbabwe a ‘2nd independence’ casts a long shadow. The denial of rally spaces and violent skirmishes faced by CCC supporters are disheartening indications of a democracy under siege.
The tragic death of Max Dutuma, a former CCC candidate, post a harrowing abduction by ZANU PF thugs, sends a chilling message to the heart of Zimbabwe’s constitutional and political democracy. Youth political participation, a global theme and a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), is being suffocated by these menacing acts. The elimination of promising political minds based on differing political views is a regressive step against the ethos of multi-party democracy.
Zimbabwe, like many African nations, finds itself ensnared in a vicious cycle of ‘Hard & Dirty Politics’ where bloodshed is a weapon to deter competition. This archaic political culture is a stark contrast to the progressive ‘Smart Politics’ adopted by leading nations, where competition of ideas drives change and effective representation.
The gross mismanagement of taxpayers’ money, political food aid dispersed as voter bait, and employment offered on political affiliations rather than merit, spotlight the socio-development crises haunting every citizen, family, and entrepreneur in Zimbabwe. These are the issues that CCC aims to address, earning them the trust of many Zimbabweans even before ZANU PF unveils its electoral rigging machinery once again.
Chamisa’s vision is a beacon of hope amidst a murky political landscape. However, the sinister tactics employed by ZANU PF aim to obliterate CCC’s mission, threatening to plunge Zimbabwe further into the abyss of political disarray and despair. Hence, the call for a vigilant populace and a robust international community to keep these dark forces in check has never been more paramount.
About The Author
