Political violence, a tool seasoned with age and ruthlessness, continues to throttle the voice of democracy in Zimbabwe, casting a long, dark shadow as the nation inches towards another election. The well-oiled machinery of violence, orchestrated by ZANU PF, to suppress opposition is not a new narrative. However, the brazenness with which it unfolds, strikes fear and concern among citizens, urging a re-evaluation of the democratic space we find ourselves in.
It’s a grim reality, according to a study by Collier&Hoeffler in 2009, that politicians engaging in violence and illegal practices such as abductions are three times more likely to cling to their seats of power compared to their law-abiding counterparts. This cold statistic is brought to life in the harrowing experiences of CCC (Citizens’ Coalition for Change) party members, whose abductions lay bare the glaring partiality of Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies, including the Police, Soldiers, and the Secret Services Agency (CIO).
The political playing field reveals stark imbalances as CCC struggles to find its footing amidst a terrain marred by intimidation and violence. Even the act of rallying supporters has been met with resistance, notably with the police denying CCC permission to stage a rally, a tactic aimed at crippling the opposition’s voter turnout whilst keeping ZANU PF’s voter base intact.
The ordeal faced by the CCC in Marondera, Gokwe, and Binga, paints a bleak picture of a democracy under siege. With the CCC being denied space to rally, supporters being assaulted, and rallies being cancelled on flimsy pretexts, the political landscape echoes with the cries for justice and a level playing field.
In the eye of this storm is Nelson Chamisa, the indefatigable leader of the opposition wing, who, despite the threats and violence, continues to shine with a promise of a ‘second independence’. However, the journey towards this promise is laden with uncertainties, the death of Max Dutuma, a former CCC candidate, being a testament to the deadly stakes involved.
The demise of Dutuma, after a chilling abduction by ZANU PF thugs, is not merely an attack on an individual but an assault on the very pillars of democracy, raising alarm over the future of political discourse in Zimbabwe.
As Zimbabweans, the call to action is clear. The suppression, the violence, and the erosion of democratic values should rally us to strive for a political society that thrives on ideas and fair competition, not fear and bloodshed. The African narrative of playing ‘Hard & Dirty Politics’ should be buried in the annals of history as we usher in an era where development, change, and the voice of the people reign supreme, steering the nation towards a future where the right to vote is not overshadowed by the fear of retribution.
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