Zimbabwe: More Than Just Post Election Blues
making sense of the future of a nation post elections
Sore Losers?
A number of Zimbabweans I’ve spoken to after the just ended elections are disappointed. In despair and somewhat disillusioned. The elections did not turn out to be what they expected. More accurately, the elections did not turn out according to their hopes.
They felt confident that the man who has ruled the country for the last thirty-three years, Robert Mugabe, and the party he leads, ZANU-PF would be ousted.
Some of the strangers I spoke to stated that these elections were especially significant as they came after the adoption of a new constitution. Not only that, they had tied the hope of the Southern African nation to the outcomes of the elections.
Their belief was that these elections, with anyone but Mugabe winning, were going to restore the pride and prosperity of the nation. Perhaps the reason for despair is that their hope was synonymous with the ousting of aforementioned. And, that did not happen.
The picture that painted for me was that of a despondent nation. Yet, life has to go on.
Perhaps what made the election more disheartening were the allegations of the elections not being free or fair. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC T), led by Tsvangirai is still crying, “foul” with allegations of rigging. Tendai Biti,who has been a Minister in the coalition government was probably the first voice to allegations of election fraud.
To add to this, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says 305,000 voters were turned away. This makes up ten percent of the total number voters. Apparently, there were also 750,000 people missing from the voters’ roll. Such things could explain the anger that laced the despair as people shared their frustration. Also the Election Commissioner resigned and implied in his resignation that the elections were conducted in an unprofessional manner.
The opposition has turned to the courts, again. The MDC T has done so in the past but without any real change. Are the courts a viable and worthwhile option as way of seeking redress? The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is not likely to be of any help. SADC made an appeal to all political parties to respect and accept the results.
On the other hand, here is reporting saying SADC and AU are withholding their approval of the elections. It cites that the voters roll was only made available two days before elections!
What does this mean?
History tells us that even if SADC engages anyone who thinks contrary and agrees with them they are not likely to take any measures. To what extent does the Mugabe led party respect the SADC? How meaningful will be SADC’s involvement, if at all?
The African Union (AU) seems just as powerless. It seems African organizations such as SADC and the AU are happy with the results and the way things are in Zimbabwe.
International media and opposition is says the elections were not free and fair. This is an example of the many mixed messages. I will not labor this…
What Now?
My guess, is that life, at least for the average Zimbabwean, goes back to as normal as it can be. Opposition parties, that can afford it, go to court.
SADC, AU, European Union and United Nations are going to talk. And talk some more. They’re probably going to talk long enough to pass time till the next elections. Why my pessimism? Because it seems to be the pattern.
In general Zimbabweans are peace loving and are not likely to replicate what happened in Kenya in 2007. On the other hand Mal Fletcher believes the possibility of an “Arab spring” type of uprising, with technology enabling it.
This is an interesting thought… Interesting because I’m not sure what to make of it.
Point
From listening to Zimbabweans and reading reports and news, I’m confused. The result of the conflicting messages is enough to make me doubt... Perhaps there should be another election. Does South Africa have any more money to give Zimbabwe for another election?
Did Zimbabwe not incur deficit from the election, adding more strain to the country’s economy? Will the outcries be enough to for re-elections?
The truth: there are many suffering countries in the world, but when you do get an opportunity, somehow love on Zimbabwe and her people. The world eventually gets tired of situations such as Zimbabwe’s…
Would an ousting of the ruling party solve Zimbabwe’s problems?
I honestly have no answer… These are just some of the things I’ve listened to and some of the questions I’ve had…
If you’re in Zimbabwe right now, what is it like for you?
