In the lead-up to the looming elections in Zimbabwe, there is a disturbing absence of genuine electoral promises. Instead, the nation faces the ominous prospect of unrestrained violence, courtesy of the ruling party, ZANU PF. The dismal state of affairs in Zimbabwe, characterized by a paralyzed government and a myriad of crises, can be attributed to the actions and intentions of this party. Here, we delve into the reasons behind this stark reality and the devastating consequences it carries.
The ruling party, ZANU PF, has a notorious history of making empty electoral promises. In the rigged elections of 2018, they offered grandiose commitments to the people, only to betray their trust with a severe lack of political will to bring those promises to fruition. This not only rendered their political legitimacy questionable but also underscored their disregard for the welfare of the Zimbabwean population. Genuine and enduring political and constitutional reforms, which are vital for the country’s progress, remained elusive.
Despite their political illegitimacy stemming from broken promises and electoral fraud, ZANU PF shows no signs of relenting. They are determined to retain power at any cost, even if it means resorting to unconstitutional means. Their ultimate goal seems to be the establishment of a one-party state, a move that would enable them to plunder and loot Zimbabwe’s valuable fiscal and natural resources without any accountability or transparency.
In this pursuit of unchecked power, ZANU PF appears ready to embrace state-sponsored violence. Violence has become a favored tool for them, serving both as a means of deterrence and a means of maintaining control. The prevailing conditions in Zimbabwe, marked by a compromised judiciary and a militarized apparatus, have created a conducive environment for such actions. The judiciary, once a safeguard for justice, now appears sympathetic to ZANU PF’s ambitions, further eroding the rule of law.
The absence of genuine electoral promises from ZANU PF is, therefore, no surprise. You cannot promise essential services like healthcare, education, electricity, and job opportunities when you have failed to deliver them during your previous tenure. Instead of governing responsibly, they chose to steal five years in power, leaving Zimbabweans to suffer the consequences of their misrule.
The grim reality facing Zimbabwe as it approaches the elections is deeply concerning. The ruling party’s disregard for the welfare of the people, its history of empty promises, and its willingness to resort to violence to retain power are all indicators of a political landscape marred by corruption and authoritarianism. The Zimbabwean people deserve better—a government that prioritizes their well-being, respects the rule of law, and upholds democratic principles.
The international community must closely monitor the situation in Zimbabwe and hold those responsible for violence and electoral manipulation accountable. The people of Zimbabwe have endured enough suffering and deserve the opportunity to freely choose their leaders in a fair and transparent electoral process.
In conclusion, the absence of genuine electoral promises from ZANU PF in the run-up to the upcoming elections is a testament to the party’s disregard for the well-being of the Zimbabwean population. The resort to violence as a means of retaining power only exacerbates the challenges facing the nation. It is imperative that the international community takes a stand for democracy and justice in Zimbabwe, ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and their rights respected. Only then can Zimbabwe move towards a brighter and more prosperous future.