Thos, like me, who care and keep a close eye on Zimbabwe and its politics, have been left mostly speechless by recent political developments in Zimbabwe.
The COVID-19 pandemic may be past us but its effects on Zimbbwe's state of democracy, which was already sickly long before it came, linger on. The pandemic paved the way for that controversial court ruling that gave Mwonzora unlimited power leading to Advocate Nelson Chamisa and company to launch a splinter 'new' party dubbed the Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC).
To guard against ZANU PF's evil machinations, the party featured Chamisa on its logo, embraced fluid structures and virtually operated without a clear constitution. You would think that it worked but as one of best friends texted me this morning, "kana tazogara, Zanu hatina zera nayo."
ZANU PF has given a new meaning to the phrase, "where there is a will, there's a way," and they don't really care any less or more if the 'way' is unconstitutional, inhuman or evil.
The uncontested win of ZANU PF's Pedzisayi 'Scott' Sakupwanya in the Mabvuku-Tafara parliamentary constituency is the latest proof of this theory. Rightly and as expected, it has ignited controversy and further strained the faith in Zimbabwe's electoral processes.
This analysis article aims to delve into the implications of this event, as well as the midnight court ruling that followed, and examine how these actions contribute to the potential erosion of democracy in Zimbabwe. Additionally, suggestions for individuals and collective actions to restore democracy will be put forth.
Uncontested Win in Mabvuku-Tafara:
The news of Pedzisayi Sakupwanya's uncontested victory in the Mabvuku-Tafara parliamentary constituency is a cause for concern. Pedzisayi's victory came after Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, the CCC candidate was barred from contesting in the by-elections by the high court. An earlier order by Justice Never Katiyo had barred eight recalled CCC MPs from running in the by-elections, but a subsequent order from Justice Isaac Muzenda added Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi to the list of ousted CCC legislators. The withdrawal of the order allowed Sakupwanya to run unopposed. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's confirmation of the win raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Legal Fraud and Midnight Court Ruling:
While we were all sleeping last night, there was a midnight court ruling by Justice Isaac Muzenda which has since faced significant criticism from legal professionals, with many considering it a violation of the law and an embarrassment to the legal fraternity. Lawyers have questioned why a judge from Mutare was brought in to preside over a matter in Harare during the late hours of the night. Particularly alarming is the account provided by Jeremiah Bamu, a lawyer mentored in the judge's ruling, which alleges fraudulent activity and a disregard for proper legal procedures. This raises serious concerns about the transparency and credibility of the judiciary.
The Path to One-Party Rule:
These recent political developments, combined with past actions commited by the ED Mnangagwa led government, indicate a troubling trend towards one-party rule by ZANU PF in Zimbabwe. The manipulation of electoral processes, such as barring opposition lawmakers from running and alleged rigging of elections, undermines the principles of democracy and stifles political diversity within the country. The allegations of fraudulent acts during the midnight court ruling add another layer to this growing concern. The consolidation of power by one party limits the accountability and checks and balances necessary for a thriving democracy.
Restoring Democracy in Zimbabwe:
While the erosion of democracy is disheartening, it is essential to explore avenues for change and restoration. Here are a few suggestions for individuals and collective actions:
1. Civil Society Engagement: Engage with civil society organizations advocating for democracy, human rights, and electoral reform. Support their initiatives and participate in peaceful demonstrations and campaigns to raise awareness about the erosion of democracy.
2. International Pressure: Encourage international organizations and governments to exert pressure on Zimbabwe to uphold democratic principles. This can be achieved through diplomatic channels. The use of economic sanctions, or the imposition of targeted restrictions against individuals involved in undermining democracy should, however, not be attempted because it has already proved to be unfruitful.
3. Empowerment and Education: Promote civic education and political awareness among Zimbabwean citizens. By empowering individuals with knowledge about their rights, as well as skills in effective civil participation and advocacy, the foundations for a strong democratic society can be strengthened.
4. Media and Information Dissemination: Support independent media outlets and journalists who strive to report on political developments accurately and expose any violations of democratic principles. Promote the importance of a free and unbiased press in maintaining democracy.
5. New opposition leader? This is perhaps the most controversial of my proposals. The reality is that it doesn’t matter which side CCC takes, ZANU PF will still take the other side and win. They control everything in the country and their will always prevail whether those at the helm of CCC have wisdom or not. The question then is, is there anyone better to lead Zimbabwe's opposition at the moment? The truth is that I can't think of anyone who is more appealing than Nelson Chamisa in that regard. However, I strongly believe that he needs to twitch and change most of his tactics if he is to be effective in bringing a new Great Zimbabwe. I believe that it's about time he starts taking citizens seriously and address their concerns and adopt some of their suggestions.
In conclusion, the recent events surrounding the uncontested win of Pedzisayi Sakupwanya and the midnight court ruling in Zimbabwe are indicative of a worrisome erosion of democracy. By examining these developments critically and discussing potential actions to restore democracy, there is hope for change. It is essential for citizens, both within Zimbabwe and internationally, to remain vigilant and committed to upholding democratic principles. Only through collective efforts can Zimbabwe steer itself back on the path towards a truly democratic and inclusive society.
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