When Zimbabweans went to the polls in 2008 they were determined to elect a government for the next five years. That Mugabe cheated his way back to power is the reason for our current problems. The dispute is not about those who were elected to sit in Parliament, although some were undoubtedly fraudulently elected. The real problem concerns the presidency. What Zimbabweans expect, having endured two years of the largely one-sided GNU, is the opportunity to elect a President of their choice.
Sitting parliamentarians deserve a chance to serve out their terms, a chance to make a difference. But the people of Zimbabwe did NOT elect Robert Mugabe as President.
Even the most diligent stuffing of ballot boxes, not to mention murdering and thrashing of thousands of suspected MDC supporters, could not secure a convincing win for Mugabe. The bloody and abortive run-off, which Morgan Tsvangirai boycotted in protest at the violence, still needs to be resolved.
We believe the people should be given a chance to choose the next leader of our country in an orderly, peaceful manner. We need a presidential, not general, election. A general election is fraught with difficulties and will undoubtedly result in chaos. Zanu (PF) thrives on chaos. They must not be given another opportunity to defraud the electorate.
With regard to the new Electoral Bill, it is laughable that Patrick Chinamasa is proposing to legislated that police chief Augustine Chihuri be responsible for appointing senior policemen to ensure peace during the run up to any future election.
It is common knowledge, and well documented, that the ZRP has been heavily involved in political violence in the past in support of Zanu (PF).
The police force is also well aware of the identity of the perpetrators of 2008 violence and indeed political violence before that. Zanu (PF) has espoused violence as an election campaign strategy since the early 1990s. And, in the few cases where justice has actually been done and the perpetrators, such as Patrick Kombayis murderers, have been apprehended and convicted, a presidential pardon has always swiftly followed. Let us not mistake the message that has been clearly sent out to Zanu (PF)s murderous thugs, many of them in official uniforms.
Chinamasas bill but be opposed. It is not a genuine attempt to bring about peace. Zimbabwe must abide by the SADC protocol on elections our rulers have signed up to it after all.
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga