The recent election primaries held by Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, have once again plunged the nation into chaos, violence, and controversy. These primaries, marred by allegations of rigging, violence, and intimidation, serve as a grim foretaste of what may be in store for the upcoming national elections. It is a troubling indication of the extent to which the rule of law has eroded in the country, leaving Zimbabweans to grapple with a state paralyzed by the actions of a ruling party more focused on self-enrichment than public welfare.

ZANU PF, once a symbol of hope in the struggle for independence, has descended into a party plagued by allegations of terrorism, tyranny, authoritarianism, and criminality. The recent primary elections have exposed the party’s willingness to employ violent and ruthless tactics to maintain its grip on power. Cases of abductions, rape, and intimidation have emerged, painting a bleak picture of a party that seems desperate to cling to its authority.

The question that arises is why the ruling party, or any political entity for that matter, would resort to such brutality during internal elections. The answer lies in the allure of power and the gains that come with it. Public office in Zimbabwe has become a ticket to ill-gotten wealth, achieved through the plundering and looting of the country’s resources. This ruthless pursuit of self-enrichment has created a vicious cycle where those in power are willing to go to extreme lengths, including violence, to maintain their stranglehold on the nation.

As the nation braces itself for the looming national elections, the signs point to a repetition of the chaos and violence witnessed in the primaries. It is almost certain that the national elections will be rigged, chaotic, and marked by widespread violence. Abductions, rapes, beatings, and even killings may become tragically commonplace, all sanctioned and sponsored by the state. The motivation behind this brutality is clear: to secure and maintain power at any cost, ensuring the continued plundering and looting of Zimbabwe’s finite fiscal and natural resources for self-enrichment.

This alarming situation is exacerbated by the systematic mutilation, violation, and debasement of the supreme law of the land. The erosion of the rule of law has created a vacuum where the principles of justice and equality before the law have been replaced by rule by law and inequality before partisan, compromised, captured, and militarized courts. These institutions are used to wage lawfare against the opposition, which, despite facing relentless persecution, remains resilient and innovative, seeking to represent the welfare of the oppressed masses.

For over four decades, the welfare of the Zimbabwean people has been neglected on a massive scale, resulting in the absence of prompt, reliable, dependable, and affordable service delivery. Instead, the ruling party’s agenda has been focused on the futile pursuit of a one-party state, where plundering and looting are the new norm. This stands in stark contrast to the vibrant and robust rule of law that Zimbabweans deserve.

The international community must closely monitor the situation in Zimbabwe as the nation approaches the national elections. It is imperative that the voices of the oppressed and terrorized masses are heard, and their welfare is made a top priority. The erosion of the rule of law and the perpetuation of violence and corruption must not be allowed to continue unchecked.

In conclusion, the chaotic and violent election primaries of ZANU PF are a grim indication of what may transpire in the looming national elections. The allure of power and the pursuit of self-enrichment at any cost have driven the ruling party to resort to brutal tactics, leaving Zimbabweans in a state of fear and uncertainty. It is high time for the international community to step in and ensure that the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law are upheld in Zimbabwe, for the sake of its long-suffering citizens.