It is common knowledge that a free and fair election, with an internationally recognised result, will assist in Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the international community – thereby bringing relief from a more than decade-long economic crisis characterised by massive unemployment.
Calls for peace and political tolerance ahead of the elections have been welcomed, but skepticism still remains on whether this will translate into real action. More specifically, people are doubtful whether Zanu (PF), the major culprit of the June 2008 violence that claimed around 200 lives (of MDC supporters), is sincere in its calls for peace.
Zanu (PF) has in the past preached peace and tolerance during election time, and gone on to use uses tactics such as intimidation and violence against opposition supporters in its determination to win elections at any cost.
Other fear factors include the resurgence of torture bases in some parts of the countryside as well as in urban areas. Perpetrators of the June 2008 violence, that included widespread torture and rape of MDC-T activists by Zanu (PF) youth militia, are still walking free with some reportedly campaigning for Zanu (PF).
The culture of impunity that has enabled the guilty ones to escape from the long arm of the law is cause for concern – and leaves room for a resurgence of the atrocities. Wonder Sibanda (37) from Chitungwiza, said “Although Zanu (PF) has been preaching peace, I think the culture of violence is still embedded in them, because if you look at the situation in some rural areas you will find that people belonging to the MDC-T or any other party beside Zanu (PF) are being harassed.
“We are worried that Zanu (PF) peaches peace during the day and practices violence during the night and we are not so sure whether they are sincere this time around in their calls for a peaceful election. “
Another Chitungwiza resident, Chamunorwa Madaya (33), said the resurgence of torture bases in some parts of the dormitory town pointed to a sinister plot to disrupt the forthcoming elections.
“We are expecting to hold free and fair polls in which the electorate is not intimidated by anyone. But we are concerned that in some areas, places which were used as torture bases are now being used for Zanu (PF) meetings and that has raised fears among the electorate. There are also issues like attempts by Zanu (PF) to tamper with the voter’s roll and voter registration processes that we fear might disturb the credibility of the forthcoming polls,” said Madaya.
Other residents expressed hope that the new constitution would guard against violence and intimidation. “I think this time the elections will be free and fair if the new constitution is respected. We have some fears because intimidation seems to be still there, but if the new constitution comes into effect, we hope all will be okay,” said Jennifer Muduzu (49).
Nelson Gwangwava (42) said: “My hope is that we will carry out the forthcoming elections in a way that allows people to freely express themselves. Calls by President Mugabe and the Prime Minister (Morgan Tsvangirai) should be embraced by everyone so that we have a free and fair election. The onus is on Zanu (PF) to desist from their culture of preaching peace but engaging in violence during the night.”
With regards to Mugabe’s calls for peace, the electorate concurs that the proof of the pudding is in the eating and time will tell whether the calls are genuine or merely driven by an attempt to present Zanu (PF) as a peace-loving party.
“We have heard Zanu (PF) talking of peace and only time will tell whether they are really genuine on this,” said Martha Tsanga.
Post published in: News