There is already acrimony in the Government of National Unity with the MDC-T claiming there is a resurgence of politically motivated violence by Zanu (PF), with the most recent case being the death of 12-year-old, Christpower Maisiri, who was caught in a suspected arson in Headlands.
MDC-T Secretary General, Tendai Biti, has laid the blame for Maisiri’s death on Zanu (PF) Secretary for Administration, Didymus Mutasa.
Another disturbing trend is the alleged manipulation of the voter registration process by Zanu (PF).
Registration woes
MDC-T has claimed that its supports wishing to register are being frustrated at various Registrar General’s offices across the country while Zanu (PF) supporters have no problem with registration.
Recently, an MDC-T official revealed to The Zimbabwean that Zanu (PF) officials working in cahoots with officers form the Registrar General’s Department were registering rural voters to vote in urban constituencies in a bid to cover up for their 2008 loss.
The persecution of Non-Governmental Organisations, which are expected to play a pivotal role in the next election, has painted a gloomy picture of a credible election.
Civic society organisations that have fallen victim to persecution by the police and state security agents include the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, the Zimbabwe Peace Project, Counselling Services Unit and ZimRights, among others.
Recently an American delegation of Deputy Assistant Secretaries of State expressed serious reservations over the persecution of civic society organisations ahead of elections.
The delegation said that Zanu (PF)’s insistence that international observers would not be invited to monitor the next election would only serve to make the election outcome less credible.
Disputed results
Political analysts and election observers have said the developments are setting the stage for a disputed election result, adding that the resurgence of violence has thrown into doubt President Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF)’s sincerity in upholding peace ahead of elections.
Political analyst, Alexander Rusero, said the trends pointed to insincere politicians.
“Nothing much has changed. We have three parties calling for a “Yes” vote during the referendum but on the other hand accusing each other of perpetrating violence. The GNU was a result of a disputed election and it was supposed to create a level playing field for elections,” he said.
He added that no effective mechanisms had been put in place to curb violence, adding that this could have a negative impact on efforts to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
“It’s actually disturbing and it’s a bad precedent on the part of the GNU principals,” said Rusero.
Political analyst, Eldred Masunungure, predicted that the country could be heading for yet another violent election with a disputed outcome.
“It has to be accepted that since independence, violence and elections seem to go together. Whenever there are elections, politically motivated violence rears its ugly head,” said Masunungure. “Zanu (PF) might have something to hide but the credibility of the outcome will be enhanced if we have international observers.”
No democratic space
The director of the Election Resource Centre, Tawanda Chimhini, said cases of political violence and persecution of human rights defenders ahead of elections were likely to result in yet another disputed poll.
“The closure of democratic space is contrary to international practice with regard to the conduct of not just free and fair polls but an election that can be internationally acceptable. The question of integrity is something that Zimbabwe cannot afford to ignore ahead of the next election,” said Chimhini.
On the issue of international observers, Chimhini said: “It is important to note that political parties cannot, on the basis of law, dictate which observers can be invited for accreditation. Any such proclamations by political parties or politicians can at best be dismissed as politicking.”
However, another political analyst, Charity Manyeruke, said Zimbabwe would be able to overcome the hurdles to a free and fair election with a credible outcome.
“On the issue of international observers, I think the principals in the GNU will be able to sit down and make a decision. It should not raise any alarm. The issue of violence can be addressed by Zimbabweans on an individual level,” said Manyeruke.
Post published in: Analysis