2018 Elections: panacea to transformation or more of the same? - MISA Internal Communication Portal
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Vol. 1 Issue 26
JUNE - JULY
2 0 1 8
2018 Elections:
panacea to transformation or more of the same?
NEW DISPENSATION OR NEW ERROR
CREDIBLE POLLS: A MATTER OF POLITICAL WILL
SCRAMBLE FOR ZIMBABWE'S 60% YOUNG VOTE
THE MILITARY FACTOR AND THE 2018 ELECTIONS
NO CHANCE FOR MOST INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
BEYOND POLITICS OF PERSONALITIES
ELECTIONS MUST BE POSTPONED FOR FIVE YEARSZimbabwe’s election season is now in full their bitter rivalry and contestations were happened with the previous polls.
bloom as political parties launch their at the centre of Zimbabwe’s disputed
manifestos and criss-cross the country elections dating as far back as the 2000 Other issues relate to whether the presence
holding campaign rallies ahead of the polls.The 2008 elections are a case in point of elections observers such as SADC,
elections set for 30 July 2018. in that regard after Tsvangirai pulled out African Union and from the previously
of the presidential run-off elections citing banned European Union, will assist in
Of signifance is that former president and violence and the murder of his supporters. opening the political space and ensuring
Zanu PF leader, Robert Mugabe, together a conducive elections environment. Also
with his longstanding nemesis, but now It is against allegations of rigged elections key to this is the credibility, impartiality
deceased MDC-T leader Morgan exacerbated by an uneven playing field and independence of the Zimbabwe
Tsvangirai, will not be factors in the skewed in Mugabe’s favour, that the former Electoral Commission to conduct
coming elections. strongman’s successor, Emmerson democratic elections.
Mnangagwa, is repeating the mantra of the
Mugabe who dominated Zimbabwean importance of convening free, fair and What is at stake therefore, is whether the
politics through his iron-fist rule and credible elections. 2018 elections will pass the test in terms
stranglehold on the nation since of the SADC Guidelines on the Conduct
independence in 1980, was pushed out of That Zimbabwe needs to exorcise itself of of Democratic Elections and African
power by the military in November last the ghost of disputed election outcomes, Charter on Democracy Elections and
year. Tsvangirai who was at the helm of cannot be over-emphasised and thus Governance, among other regional and
his party since its formation in 1999, informs the theme of this edition of international instruments and best practice
succumbed to cancer of the colon in Thinking Beyond: 2018 Elections: on democratic elections.
April this year. Panacea to Transformation or More of the Same?
Suffice to say, another disputed election
The absence of the two prominent This question is addressed through various outcome will rob the nation of the
Zimbabwean politicians undoubtedly articles published in this edition by an array opportunity to address the longstanding
changes the complexion of the elections of diverse writers who offer their socio-economic ills and stagnation
game given their longstanding rivalry and opinions, views and ideas on fundamental characterised by 90% unemployment,
dominance of the country’s political issues underpinning the 2018 elections. corruption and mismanagement of national
landscape. One key issue is on what needs to be done resources.
to secure free, fair and credible elections
What sticks out between the two, is that whose outcome will not be disputed as
ii JUNE-JULY 2018New dispensation
or new error
By Professor Eldred V. Masunungure
In 2018 Zimbabwe finds itself in a novel
situation which its admirers affectionately
call a ‘new dispensation’ while its critics
dismiss it as a ‘new error’.
It was occasioned by two momentous
events that have reconfigured the country’s
politics. The first was the dramatic,
military-executed and mass-supported
‘soft’ coup of November 2017 which eased
out the long-ruling Tsar of Zimbabwe,
then 93-year old Robert Gabriel Mugabe,
ushering in his long-time confidante and
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and President Mnangagwa
Vice-President, 75-year old Emmerson
Dambudzo Mnangagwa (popularly
known as ED). The second crucial event was in February On the economic front, the mantra since
2018, that is, the untimely demise, through then has been that “Zimbabwe is open for
The soldiers, previously playing crucial the Hand of God, of 65-year old Morgan business” and that, henceforth, economics
but covert roles in the politics of the Tsvangirai, veteran opposition leader of will trump politics in the decision-making
country, now entered the centre of the the 20-year old MDC-T. He was replaced calculations of the new Government: “It
political stage with the former Commander (in a dramatic, albeit controversial is not anymore politics and politics, we are
of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Machiavellian style), by the 40-year-old saying politics and economics”, he reiterated
Constantino Chiwenga, assuming the No Nelson Chamisa who immediately sought in late April 2018. The second wave was
2 position of Vice-President of both the to re-energise his popular base and has when Chamisa took over and reinvigorated
ruling ZANU PF and the State. done so with considerable success, so far. his otherwise moribund party. Support
Now ED is President of ZANU PF and Combined, both events resulted in tectonic for the MDC-T has surged from 16% of
Government while Chiwenga is one of the shifts in the country’s body politic. Thus, adult Zimbabweans sampled in February
two Vice-Presidents in both institutions. in a large sense, Zimbabwe finds itself in 2017 to 28% in May 2018.
The second VP is Kembo Mohadi, a uncharted territory, without its two rival
prominent war veteran. titans who had become political fixtures Zimbabwe’s high stakes elections
at the apex of the polity.
Thus, the top three in the party and It is election season in Zimbabwe, again.
Government have a martial background. Paradoxically, the demise of both also On 30 July 2018, Zimbabweans will be
More than ever before, Zimbabwe is now raised waves of hope where there was back in the ballot box for their sixth
a fully-fledged party-military regime, despondency. The first wave of hope was presidential and ninth parliamentary
raising questions about which of the two when ED took over in November 2017 elections since independence in 1980.
institutions is supreme and exercises veto promising several public goods anchored
power over the other. on a ‘new, open and unfolding democracy’ Despite the fact that regular elections in
and that the upcoming elections would be the last 37 years neither produced an
The related and troubling concern is ‘free, fair, credible, transparent and alternation of the party in power nor
whether this alliance deepens democracy peaceful’ to which international observers improved their welfare (which declined
or reconsolidates electoral authoritarianism are invited to observe because there is markedly post-2000 with the economy
in Zimbabwe. ‘nothing to hide’. shrinking by half),
JUNE-JULY 2018 1Zimbabweans are still enamoured of recent scientific survey conducted by the expressed high hopes for a good quality
elections as the preferred method of Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI) in election and that the Zimbabwe Electoral
choosing the political leadership of the May 2018, exactly a quarter (75%) Commission (ZEC) is prepared for the
country (see Figure 1 below). “agreed” or “very strongly agreed” that they harmonised elections.
can use their power as voters “to choose
As is clear and unambiguous, huge leaders who will help us to improve our That said, only a slim majority (53%), said
majorities across partisan affiliations, age, lives”. Only a fifth (20%), felt that “no ZEC performed its duties as a neutral body
and education “agree” or “agree strongly” matter whom we vote for, things will not guided only by law while less than half
that people should choose their leaders get better in the future”. This is a very (46%) trust the electoral management
through regular, open, and honest strong testament to the power of the vote. body. Overall, more than six in 10
elections. Zimbabweans (62%), expect a free and
Respondents were asked:Which will elections deliver fair election in July 2018.
of the following statements is closest to
Most significantly, there is a wide window
of opportunity for Zimbabwe to turn the
cor ner, consolidate the fledgling
democratic transition and deliver what
Zimbabweans say they want most i.e. jobs,
an improved and stable economy, better
health and education, all under a
corruption-free, accountable government.
Zimbabwe’s two-horse race
Mnangagwa and his ZANU PF as well as
Chamisa and his MDC-T/Alliance are not
the only political gladiators on the political
stage. In fact, the Zimbabwe political
universe is inhabited by a bevy of more
than 120 parties - many dismissed as ‘fly-
by-night’ outfits - but only two really
matter, i.e. ZANU PF and the MDC-
T/Alliance.
Figure 1: Support for regular, open, and honest elections | by age, education,
Both anecdotal and empirical evidence
and voting intention | Zimbabwe |2018
suggests that in the upcoming harmonised
elections, the other parties and their leaders
your view? Statement 1:We should choose Zimbabwe is presently a nation in despair are not likely to attract more than miniscule
our leaders in this country through but the ‘new dispensation’ and upcoming popular support. The May 2018
regular, open, and honest elections. elections have generated high, if not over- MPOI/Afrobarometer survey fully attests
Statement 2: Since elections sometimes inflated, hopes about the future. As of May to this with only a total of about 1%
2018, more than six in 10 Zimbabweans supporting parties other than ZANU PF
produce bad results, we should adopt
(62%), said the country was going in the and the MDC-T/Alliance. In short,
other methods for choosing this country’s wrong direction and nearly three quarters Zimbabwe’s political system has, since
leaders. (% who “agree” or “agree (74%, descr ibe macro-economic 2000, coagulated into a two-party polity
very strongly” with each conditions as “fairly bad” or “very bad”. – see Figure 2.
statement)
However, a full half of the adult
Marching forward toward July 30, 2018, Zimbabweans (51%) expect the country’s
most Zimbabweans and many in the economy to improve in the next 12 months
international community ponder over the i.e. after elections. An equal proportion
likely quality of the elections, their (63%), regard voting as a civic duty and
outcome, and what this portends for the not just a matter of personal choice.
country and its citizens. For instance, a Further, and despite saying the country is
going in the wrong direction, a majority
2 JUNE-JULY 2018Figure 2: and outside the country.
In terms of post-election governance, and
regardless of who wins, Zimbabwe is likely
to take a liberal trajectory, more so in its
economic path and perhaps less so in its
politics. At worst, we are poised for the
so-called ‘China model’ (also called the
Rwanda model) that entails liberal
economics and illiberal politics.
Many also wonder whether the current,
apparently more open and freer political
environment is sustainable and will endure
beyond the elections. This is the too-good-
to-be-true tendency in Zimbabwe political
society. I am inclined to think the ‘good
times’ will outlast the elections.
There is a strong sense that the post-
November 2017 momentum is irreversible
and that the chances of backsliding are
minimal if not blocked.Though it is difficult
to rule out regression, I would say that
relapse, though possible, is improbable.
On the basis of circumstantial and post-election Zimbabwe
empirically-based evidence, this article Further, there is a moderately high
speculates that the 30 July election will be While Zimbabweans are yearning for a probability of a post-election coalition
a ‘turnout election’ i.e. the outcome will good quality election - which is a public government. Though the victors might
depend on who gets out the vote. As it is good in and of itself - they hope that such find it irresistible to go solo and consolidate
essentially a two-horse contest, the verdict a credible election will be the vehicle that their rulership, it would be unwise to do
will be decided on who of the two horses will carry the country from Egypt to so in the context of a fragile economy in
mobilises his popular base. Canaan, from the old, broken, and unhappy a polarised society and where nation-
Zimbabwe to a new and better socio- building is a compelling imperative.
Which of the political parties and their economic and political order that is
respective leaders will be able to marshal governed in the interests of all i.e. a Moreover, members of the coalition
the electorate on election day. Further, Zimbabwe for all and free of the pariah government need not be partisan political
and given that more than a quarter of the status it was burdened with in the last one- gladiators but could and ought to be drawn
electorate (26%, is reticent about its and-half decades. from the wide spectrum of Zimbabwe
voting intentions, who will harness this society.
large pool of voters? The history of post- As we see it, and notwithstanding that old
2000 elections (and even before, teaches habits die hard, the auguries are good and Whatever the outcome, new Zimbabwe
us that ZANU PF has both the promising. The paper is more sanguine will never be the same again.
organisational presence as well as more about the future since ‘Black Friday’ in
mobilisational capacity to do get its November 1997.The political climate and, Professor Eldred Masunungure is a lecturer at
supporters to the polling booth, especially with it, the electoral environment, have the University of Zimbabwe in the Political
in the rural areas. never been freer, even when restrictive Science Department. He can be contacted at
legislation - POSA and AIPPA being most evmas56@yahoo.co.uk
I further speculate that, ceteris paribus, the notorious - that limits some political rights,
incumbent regime will be endorsed, most liberties and freedoms remains on the
probably in the lower to mid-50% in the statute books,
first round of the presidential election and
achieve a simple majority in Parliament. All things being equal, Zimbabwe is poised
However, all things are not always equal for free and fair enough elections that in
and there are still many big unknowns - all probability will be found to be
including the weather! - that may upset acceptable by most stakeholders, inside
the best predictions.
JUNE-JULY 2018 3Understanding the fall of big wigs
in mainstream political parties
reconfigured political economy Public office, either at central or local
government level, had been reduced to
Zimbabwe’s 2018 electoral battle lines dinner tables where political elites have
will largely be based on Professor been conspiring against ordinary citizens.
Raftopoulos’ (2014) reconfigured political In essence public office was reduced into
economy. Ever since the launch of the Fast an exercise in ‘Eating’ and not service
Trac k Land Refor m Settlement delivery. As the elites dined and wined,
Programme, Zimbabwe has experienced they forgot to maintain their relations with
a processes of new class formations that is their constituencies.
creating new social classes with their own
set of electoral demands. The lesson to the Big Wigs has been that
By Tamuka Chirimambuwa elections are not only about fulfilling
Various social groups have emerged in symbolic and periodic rituals, but also
The November 2017 coup deposed Zimbabwe’s reconfigured economy and consist of the socio-economic and political
President Mugabe from power but at the these include vendors, cross border forces that inform and condition voting
same time demystified his godly-cult on traders, small business operators, new behaviour patterns.
the Zimbabwe African National Union farmers, artisanal minors (makorokoza),
Patriotic Front (ZANU PF). commuter omnibus and taxi operators, For the Makorokoza it is about how they
rank touts and marshals, saloon and will be able to continue or expand their
Following the departure of President backyard shop owners, among many gold scrounging activities; the cross border
Mugabe under acrimonious circumstances others, in the informal economy. traders, how they will be able to bring
was the tragic death of MDC-T leader their merchandise with less hassle from
Morgan Tsvangirai on the 14th of February On the surface these groups appear ZIMRA; the commuter omnibus
2018. These two events inadvertently led inconsequential and might hide from the operators, how they will be protected from
to seismic shifts in Zimbabwe’s main analyst some very important realities about the marauding police on the roads and the
political parties as shown by the results of Zimbabwe’s social base and its import to new farmers, how they will have access to
their primary elections. the electoral field configuration. Crucially, inputs, markets and cash after selling
a cursory look at these different groups produce, is what will most likely give
A significant number of the so-called does not reveal the ‘structural forces’ that compelling reasons to the electorate on
political heavy weights fell by the wayside must be understood by those seeking why it is necessary to vote for certain
in the MDC-T/Alliance and ZANU PF political office. Yet when the aggregate candidates.
primary elections. In some cases, special voice of these groups is marshalled
political arrangements had to be made to together, it builds a cogent political Voters always cast their votes for those
accommodate the fallen ‘Big Wigs’. While narrative yearning for change and who identify with their cause and this
there have been a number of plausible transformation of the state to produce explains why most of the political Big Men
explanations ranging from accusations of solutions that address livelihood questions. fell.
vote rigging and a host of electoral
malpractices by the losers, one unexplored This is the reality that had eluded most of the end of big men
explanation is the silent transition that has Zimbabwe’s political leadership within the
been brewing in Zimbabwe’s body politic. MDC-T and ZANU PF. Put simply, the The demise of Mugabe - due to the coup-
difference between Zimbabwe’s major and Tsvangirai - due to nature - was a
The loss of the big wigs has to be political parties is now just in name rather significant defining moment that put an
understood within the context of a silent than alternative political culture and end to the politics of the Big Men. These
transition, voting demographic shifts and practices. two nemesis had become the thesis and
fatigue with the old. anti-thesis of Zimbabwe’s body politic
4 JUNE-JULY 2018building larger than life personality cults and Tsvangirai loyalists failed to read and when the genie is out
domineering politics. Those opposed to understand, that once their High Priest
Mugabe’s rule bore the brunt of the fell, it was time to leave the pulpit. The Coup and Tsvangirai were the final
emperor’s whip as he was meant to rule acts that let the Genie out of the bottle and
from the grave. Expressing ambition to King Midas beautiful clothes and the impact has been earth shaking.The shift
succeed Mugabe was considered treasonous the baboons. in voting demographics where the majority
and Joice Mujuru had to pay dearly for this of the voters are below 35 years is
as well as Emmerson Mnangagwa having By the time Mugabe and Tsvangirai exited instructive in understanding why the old
to be saved by the military. the political stage, it had become clear that fell on the wayside.
winds of change were slowly brewing up
The disciplining of those expressing in Zimbabwe’s major parties. However, This demographic is the one that dominates
ambition to succeed Mugabe had the net within both parties, expressing ambition the various social groups identified in this
effect of bottling clamours for internal to challenge the dear leader was considered essay and bore the brunt of the burden of
renewal and change, but failed to extinguish treasonous. Dissent was muzzled and all the political and economic crisis whilst the
the ambers of internal change within fissures closed, yet beneath the surface elites across the political divide has been
ZANU PF. Critically, Mugabe survived pressure was boiling and waiting for one pre-occupied with their public
three rebellions: Tsholotsho Declaration oppor tune moment to blow up. emoluments. Politics was reduced to an
in 2004; Bhora Musango in 2008 and exercise in scavenging for residential and
Gamatox of 2015. He finally, succumbed Apologists in ZANU PF and MDC-T sang commercial stands, government and
to the November 2017 coup. relentlessly and in trance style on how the municipal tenders, Member of Parliament
Emperor’s clothes were beautiful, despite and Councillors’ allowances and the Cars
Within opposition politics, Tsvangirai had being naked. In ZANU PF, it was Gushungo (Ford Rangers), that comes with being in
become a colossus and deity who couldn’t chete, chete (Mugabe only, only). In MDC- Parliament.
be questioned. Those who dissented with T it was Save chete, chete (Tsvangirai only, In essence, politics in Zimbabwe had
him, experienced the wrath of the infamous only) in reference to occupying the become defined by the congruency of elite
Morgan’s whip which was equated to God’s presidency. This is despite that Mugabe’s interests across the divide or what Blogger
whip -‘Shamhu yaMorgan yakafanana advanced age and misrule was cause for Takura Zhangazha terms ‘The permanence
neshamhu yaMwari’- within opposition and concern as well as Tsvangirai’s failing health of elitist politics’.
civil society circles. becoming an electoral issue.
concluding thoughts: when milk
Morgan’s whip was either exercised Mugabe and Tsvangirai’s supporters, like is spilt.
through violence against opponents via a ostriches, buried their heads in the sand
Vanguard or what is known as physical in the face of calls for renewal. They A combination of the reconfigured political
counselling in the pro-democratic resorted to authoritarian tactics to stay in economy, fatigue with the old and shifting
movement and squeezing of funding taps power, ignoring the voices of change. voting demographics, are instructive in
by the Black Donors ( Local donor workers Mugabe and Tsvangirai had loyalists to understanding the casualties of the ‘Big
who acted as gatekeepers to those opposed effect their domination, who also became Wigs’ in the primary elections of
to Morgan’s rule). the faces of their r ule within Zimbabwe’s two major political parties.
the constituencies.
Tsvangirai sur vived three revolts: The message to the young over the years
Welshman Ncube’s 2005 split; Unbeknown to the two Big Men and their was that politics is all about eating and not
Chamisa/Biti Project 2016 plot at the 2014 loyalists, was that people wanted real public ser vice, hence the intense
Congress and Biti/Mangoma 2015 change and could no longer be taken for contestations and big thuds that were heard
Renewal split. Morgan finally succumbed granted as once remarked by the late Vice in the primary elections.The milk is already
to nature and this marked the fall of the President Simon Muzenda, that even if spilt and there is no going back on the
last strongman of Zimbabwe’s opposition. ZANU PF puts a baboon, the electorate silent transition. It is now a matter of Dan
had to vote for it. These winds of change Fulani’s “God’s Case, No Appeal”. The dice
Mugabe and Tsvangirai were the last are still blowing and will shake down more is cast and the winds of change are blowing
strongmen of Zimbabwe’s politics and with ‘Big Wigs’ in the general elections and more of the old will succumb to
their demise, the cults that they built will especially, where the political parties have the young.
crumble like a deck of cards, giving ignored the people’s will.
opportunity for the birth of a new order. Tamuka Chirimambowa is a researcher with The
The post-Mugabe/Tsvangirai period will The time of putting baboons (into public Institute of Public Affairs
most likely see the emergency of pluralistic office), is over as there is a silent transition
politics and put rest to politics of the Big brewing.
Men. This is a phenomenon that Mugabe
JUNE-JULY 2018 5Zimbabwe’s balloon in
political parties full of hot air.
the government of the day in check. Mnangagwa, is fervently hoping for voters
Interestingly, Zimbabwe, a country with to cement and sanitise its hold on power
a population of 13 million, has more than while the MDC alliance led by a youthful
120 political parties that have expressed Nelson Chamisa hopes to take full charge.
interest to participate in this year’s elections Adding more glamour or humour to the
to be held in July. elections is that a total of 123 parties,
according to the Zimbabwe Electoral
Unlike previous elections, the 2018 Commission (ZEC) are participating in
elections will not feature Robert Mugabe, the vote.
the former president who was deposed
last year in a coup d’état after ruling for With 123 political contestations, one can
37 years. In the same vein, this election imagine the insurmountable amount of
By Lulu Brenda Harris will not feature the ‘godfather’ of candidates that would be on one ballot
oppositional politics -Morgan Tsvangirai, paper.
IN any democratic state, people must be who had been battling Mugabe for years,
able to voice their opinions on any subject, after he succumbed to cancer of the colon The question that most people have been
especially if their rights are guaranteed by early this year. asking is does having 123 political parties
the constitution. Every individual has a make sense and what is their purpose.
right to make their ideas known to the Former Vice President, Joice Mujuru, is Perhaps these parties are spurred by the
community and others. leading her own charges -the Peoples rot (economic, socially, politically) that
Rainbow Coalition while disgruntled has enveloped the country for 38 years.
Ideally, individuals with the same ideas former Zanu PF members will also contest Political parties, as they are known - state
come together and form a group and it is under their own National Patriotic Front. their philosophies, put forward candidates
such groups that eventually decide to seek But these are not the only reasons why the to represent, explain this philosophy and
power and become a part of a country’s light will be shone on Zimbabwe’s lastly organise people to vote for them.
political system. On this basis, political elections. Research has also proved that political
parties are formed so that these groups parties serve these key functions: mobilise
can be noticed and given attention while The army, which took over from Mugabe’s voters, choose suitable candidates to
pushing its ideas. administration, led by Emmerson
For political parties to gain traction, they
need to find or attract many people who
approve and share the same ideas with
then. It is when armed with the large
numbers of people that a political party
will have the confidence to take on the
sitting government because it knows it has
the necessary support.
Due to the contestation of ideas and
multiplying number of political parties,
the government feels pressure and not
wanting to lose its political power also
tries to come up with its own innovative
ideas that will maintain the confidence and
possible votes of people.Therefore political
parties are necessary watchdogs to keep
6 JUNE-JULY 2018represent their cause, come up with parties? Do these parties finance their flaunting that it has the funds to do so.
governance strategies and monitor the candidates or the candidates are left to If the major opposition parties that have
party that is in government. finance their own campaigns? been in existence for years are struggling
to keep up with Zanu PF with regards to
If one looks at the major political parties As in the case in Zimbabwe, political oiling their campaigns, will these smaller
in Zimbabwe, Zanu PF and the opposition parties that meet a particular threshold of and start-up parties be able to do it?
MDC, factionalism in the former and representation receive access to funding If they can, will they be able to present
jostling for positions in the latter, shows and the only parties that access this money their funding statements to the public? In
that nowadays political parties concern from the national budget is Zanu PF and fact are all these political parties, at the
themselves more with nominating the MDC-T. very least able to publicly present their
candidates, blabbering about winning of budgets and operating costs for
office rather than governing and creating This raises more question as to how the public scrutiny?
influential policies. start-up or smaller political parties will
access fundraising to advance their Political parties, mostly the opposition,
It can also be argued that politics in political aims. are supposed to keep a close eye on the
Z i m b a b we h a s b e c o m e h i g h ly ruling party and confront it when it does
commercialised. Our politics have become It is no secret that a well organised political a policy misstep and inform the public
that of self-interest and making profit. campaign needs funds to run efficiently about it. The important role of political
Individuals are no longer motivated by the and it is evident that bigger political parties parties cannot be denied in a proper
need to serve but are spurred on by greed need more resources because they have functioning political system, but is it
and feeding their own bellies. larger constituencies, high administrative beneficial for a country such as Zimbabwe
and operational costs. to create a whole slew of them?
An alert electorate should quiz themselves There is a likelihood that all of these 123
about the motives of the 123 political For instance, as the country approaches parties will overburden the electorate,
parties. Do these parties seek to bring July, political party funding has come under which is already fatigued from too much
transformation or disaster? Will these the spotlight in Zimbabwe. political rhetoric. It is also possible that if
political parties be able to field capable, people with many similar ideas run against
credible candidates willing to serve or are The ruling Zanu PF managed to purchase each other, voters may choose a candidate
they fielding a team of wannabes? regalia and vehicles worth an alleged based on who was more exposed to them
A majority of these 123 political parties US$70 million for its campaign bragging rather than who was more qualified
are start-up organisations and it is prudent that “…we have 15 million T-shirts, 15 to lead.
to ask if they will be able to mobilise voters million caps…This year we want every
or if they have the energy to actively seek party member to have at least three caps The growth of political parties is still very
out people. and three t-shirts. We want to paint the important for understanding Zimbabwean
country with our regalia...” electoral politics and the electoral
More controversially, what is the environment today, but without the
fundraising structure of many of these Yet, the opposition is struggling to do the backing of a major political party, there
parties considering that the Zimbabwean same for its own members. are fewer chances that a candidate from a
economy is stagnant and suffering from a start-up party can be elected president.
cash crisis? Zanu PF spending large shows that running
a political campaign is no child’s play and Lulu Brenda Harris is a freelance journalist
In short, who is funding these political to showcase its own worth as a party is based in Bulawayo
JUNE-JULY 2018 7Scramble for Zimbabwe's
60% young vote
The ruling Zanu PF side of social media political opposition. Whether it be in
was under standably somewhat the form of newfound attempts at an
muted. Probably because shooting from ‘Alliance’ or as various splinter or
the hip about age and political capacity new parties.
may be a slightly vulnerable point for
them. At least on social media. For the ruling Zanu Pf party, it’s an easier
ask. Mainly because it is a ruling party,
In both respects, and no matter how an incumbent. Even after a ‘coup-not-
much raving, ranting or muting that may a -coup’ in November 2017. It however
occur on social media platforms, I am has to contend with queries as to who
By Takura Zhangazha certain that the main political parties mobilised the voter registration process
that will contest the 2018 harmonised in its own rural strongholds.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) elections, should they be serious about
chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba their political ambitions, are probably And whether it can claim these new
made an impor tant national frenetically crunching the electoral registered young voters did so as
announcement in February 2018. numbers. And this should be in at least mobilised by the party or as a result of
three respects. its own factionalism. And in the latter,
Speaking at a Parliamentary committee which faction in or out of power can
on Justice and Legal affairs organised Firstly, they need to crosscheck their persuade them to vote for the party in
meeting, she made it known that thus own numbers (membership lists and so its own perceived traditional
far (February 2018) in the Biometric on) against those that the biometric voter strongholds.
Voter Registration (BVR) process of the registration process has produced so
5 million plus number of registered far. That is to say, on their membership The second key consideration for political
voters, 60% of them are between the and supporter estimates, how many parties in the 2018 harmonised election
ages of 18 and 40 years. young people of the same did they get is the fact that they have to think about
to finally become registered voters? In the social aspects of the 60% young voter
If one expected the mainstream media this they must then cross check their demographic. Who exactly are these
to go apoplectic with this officially own figures with those of ZEC. By young people? What do they do? Where
announced statistic , it didn’t polling station, ward, district, province. and why? What is their gender?
happen. Across the state and the private
media in Zimbabwe. At least in the Then after putting together their figures Where they understand this, they then
immediacy of Justice Chigumba’s and again, by way of the mathematical fashion out policies that relate to solving
statement. calculus that is ‘probability’, measure problems that these young voters face
the likely voter turnout in what they in aide of giving democratic value to
Social media on the other hand went perceive to be their respective theircampaign requests for support from
slightly haywire. And this is particularly strongholds. And after such a serious these young voters.
with reference to users sympathetic to process, work on the figures they
the mainstream opposition MDC-T and perceive they do not have in areas that Should the political parties hunker down
its informal offshoot, the MDC Alliance. they know are not their traditional to these key questions, they will find
They expressed their optimism in lieu strongholds. that a majority of young Zimbabweans
of the new ascendancy, controversial as are looking to survive. Not only by way
it may seem , of one of the appointed I know its a hard ask especially of a of subsistence (vendors, kombi drivers),
acting presidents of the same party, divided but more significantly but on a more ambitious, desired lifestyle
Nelson Chamisa. deliberately repressed Zimbabwean basis (money-changers, car-dealers,
8 JUNE-JULY 20182018 elections:
informal wholesale suppliers, tobacco
farmers, ranchers, urban
transport/kombi owners). In their
wildest dreams they want the
panacea to
materialistic lifestyle that benefactors
can offer them.
transformation
Or they want to be left in political
patronage ‘peace’ to get there via the
many patronage, religious and other
networks that they are invariably
or more of the
part of.
The third and final consideration is that
of not forgetting the 40% by ostracising
same?
it in favour of the young voter. This is
particularly so because in most instances
the 40% remains decisive in ‘political’
opinion leadership and where it concerns
the rural vote is in the great majority of former leader, its tainted history over his
socio-economic leadership positions 37-year rule is its Achilles heel.
(chiefs, headmen, teachers, businessmen,
and clergy). President Emmerson Mnangagwa has a
lot to prove and what his party has to offer
But more importantly, there is no single will not be considered in this year’s
political party that can win a majority context, but that of previous elections,
of the 60% young voters. They will the ones which brought ZIMASSET, the
require significant chunks of both the 10-Point Plan, MERP and ZEDs.
40% and 60% to win the presidency and
It is very difficult for ZANU PF to promise
have a majority in parliament. By Leopold Munhende anything other than democracy in this
year’s elections, especially after failing to
And even if ZEC’s final figures reduce It is a mistake to think that the upcoming create the 2.2 million jobs they promised
the proportion of young voters to older watershed elections will be fought in the the ghetto youths now drowning in
ones, it will not be far from its initial realm of ideas. That is an elitist approach Broncleer (Bronco) deep down in Mbare.
registered young voters count of 60%. which will not bear fruit this year.
It will not be easy for Zimbabweans to
Given our political realities, 60% alone Those in the ghettos of urban settlements accept the ‘new promises’ and forget the
will not win it for a singular party. But and rural areas where we are from will ‘old ones’ except of course if those
any serious political party will know that support this assertion. Zimbabweans are part of the Mbare
it has its work cut out to get a majority Chimurenga Choir which in lightning
This year’s elections are like that battle speed had changed allegiance from Mugabe
of these registered young voters on
between Will Smith’s Suicide Squad and to ED.
their side. The Enchantress in the movie, Suicide
Squad. They are a literal fight between Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-
*Takura Zhangazha writes here in his personal good and evil and it will be folly to expect Alliance) presidential candidate, Nelson
capacity (takura-zhangazha.blogspot.com) less than this thinking from the electorate. Chamisa’s presidential card will not pass
Ask me, I live in the ghetto and am from because he has promised bullet trains,
the rural areas. airports or $15 billion from US President
Donald Trump. Chamisa stands a chance
ZANU PF is The Enchantress, it has been to win the next election because he is
there since before our time, has been given offering hope to the people of Zimbabwe.
a mandate to govern and failed countless
times. Though it was ‘rejuvenated’ by the After close to four decades in the
November 2017 coup which toppled its doldrums, Chamisa stands as the only way
JUNE-JULY 2018 9tyranny within the country. I have no idea
what exactly she stands for except that she
wants to be president too.
Coalition of Democrats (CODE)
presidential candidate, Elton Mangoma is
a good man, but his noble project is not
for this generation. He is a principled
leader but with the euphoria that Chamisa
has brought and the ‘heroic’ ED, he might
not be visible in the final lap.
If ED legitimately takes power in this year’s
elections we should expect an economically
liberal but politically autocratic state.
Mnangagwa might take a capitalist
approach to governance as he has already
hinted by opening us up to business at
through which Zimbabweans can finally Words mean a lot in politics but history Davos, in China and at any other
put a nail in the coffin of Mugabeism which has a way of coming back to haunt and opportunity he has been given to say
is manifesting itself in ED and vice judge even the most powerful men. ‘Zimbabwe is open
president, Constantino Guvheya It is easy to talk about ZANU PF and the for business.’
Nyikadzino Chiwenga. MDC Alliance while forgetting the
other parties. He might represent economic development
Of course, the opposition leader seems to but will definitely retain the disastrous
get over excited whenever he gets close However, it is important for the media to oppressive characteristics of his father,
to a microphone and ends up going the cover the more than 120 political parties Mugabe. More of the same.
White City way where he told the world and alliances which have mushroomed
that former vice President Joshua Nkomo’s these past two years. This will assist the His greatest undoing is the doubt which
family had endorsed him. electorate in making informed decisions. Zimbabweans have about him whenever
The question is still the same. What do they consider his label as ‘Mugabe’s
Chamisa is offering bullet trains and an they offer? henchman,’ or the spine chilling ‘Garwe’
airport for each town, which simply (crocodile).
translates to economic and infrastructural The challenge with these other political
development. parties and alliances is that they are made Chamisa despite all the hope the youths
up of disgruntled politicians who after have in him, he is not a Morgan Tsvangirai.
I understand though, ZANU PF rule under being chucked out of the ‘big brother’ He has many more flaws but what
former president, Robert Mugabe limited parties seek either to spoil the party or Zimbabweans can expect under his rule is
Zimbabwe’s dreams. That autocratic son gain power so as to have the last laugh. the return of the rule of law which is the
of Gushungo drilled doubt into our hearts It is very difficult to talk of Rainbow main thing lacking in Zimbabwe if we are
and that is the reason it took so long for Coalition presidential candidate, Joice to move forward as a country.
him to go. Teurai Ropa Mujuru’s campaign without
taking into cognisance the reason she is in With proper planning and implementation,
This is no ordinary election. Not only opposition and how it came about. It is he alone can unseat the Junta. He stands
because the two figures (the late MDC-T necessary to remember that she too was a better chance of leading Zimbabwe into
leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former part of the Zimbabwean failure and only the promised land which Chiwenga and
president Mugabe), who have dominated got into opposition politics after being ED were made to believe was theirs for
the Zimbabwean political scene are no bundled out of the revolutionary party by the taking by Zion Christian Church (ZCC)
longer part of it but because of the ‘1980 the former first lady, Grace Mugabe, in leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi.
Independence’ feeling it is exuding. humiliating fashion.
Leopold Munhende is the communications officer
No one can guarantee that under Chamisa, Though she is now a critique of the system, with Young Journalists Association (YOJA) . He
the country will experience growth and her ties to the oppressive ZANU PF system is based in Harare and can be contacted on
at the same time no one can dispute that can never be questioned. At one time she leopoldkm17@gmail.com
Mnangagwa is Mugabe’s protégé. They ran declared that ZANU PF is the only home
down the country together. she knew. I doubt that Mujuru, having been
part of the system can succeed to end
10 JUNE-JULY 2018Defining the freeness and
fairness of the election process
opposition alliance which is led by are respected. These include, freedom of
Advocate Nelson Chamisa is seeking as speech and expression by electors, parties,
many as 10 electoral reforms that include candidates and the media, freedom of
scaling down the role of military or ex- association; that is, freedom to form
military officials in the electoral organisations such as political parties and
commission, an audit of the voters’ roll, NGOs. Freedom of assembly, to hold
transparency in the procurement of ballot political rallies and to campaign. Freedom
papers and voting materials, and the of access to and by electors to transmit
presence of international observers during and receive political and
the elections. electoral messages.
By Philemon Jambaya
President Emerson Mnangagwa has “ Freedom to register as an elector, a
Elections are a central feature of promised a free and fair election, but can party or a candidate. Freedom from
democracy. For elections to express the he walk the talk for a man who is accused violence, intimidation or coercion.
will of the electorate, they must be ‘free of toppling Mugabe out of power using Freedom of access to the polls by electors,
and fair’. military back up. party agents and accredited observers.
Freedom to exercise the franchise in
‘Free’ means that all those entitled to “We will ensure that Zimbabwe delivers secret and freedom to question, challenge
vote have the right to be registered and free, credible, fair and indisputable and register complains or objections
to vote and must be free to make their elections to ensure Zimbabwe engages without negative repercussions.
choice. In Zimbabwe every citizen over the world as a qualified democratic state,” (Kapuya 2004).
the age of 18 is entitled to vote. Mnangagwa said.
Can the Mnangagwa-led government
An election is considered ‘free’ when you Mnangagwa is also accused of being ensure all this prior to the 2018 plebiscite?
can decide whether or not to vote and behind the 2008 violence which saw more We have seen people in rural areas being
vote freely for the candidate or party of than 100 people being killed during the asked to produce their registration slips
your choice without fear or intimidation. 27 June 2008 (presidential election) run- to ZANU PF activists in rural and urban
A ‘free’ election is also one where you off. areas something which is illegal.
are confident that who you vote for Can we trust this man to bring a credible
remains your secret. election in Zimbabwe? if he loses can he Zanu PF has been moving around giving
hand over power to the opposition? people food and denying opposition
‘Fair’ means that all registered political Manangagwa might benefit from a strong supporters such aid accusing them of
parties have an equal right to contest the wave of optimism generated by the end being “sell outs”. Can we expect a free
elections, campaign for voter support and of Mugabe’s rule and fair election from such people.
hold meetings and rallies.This gives them Tawanda Chimhini the Director of
a fair chance to convince voters to vote Zanu-PF will also gain from the weakness Election Resource Centre offered some
for them. of the main opposition, the Movement solutions for Zimbabwe to achieve a
for Democratic Change, which has been credible election process.
A fair election is also one in which all rocked by internal disputes since the death
voters have an equal opportunity to of former Prime Minister Dr Morgan For Zimbabwe to achieve a free and fair
register, where all votes are counted, and Tsvangirai who died in February this year. elections our chiefs in rural areas should
where the announced results reflect the be politically neutral rather than siding
actual vote totals. According to Tapera Kapuya: “A ‘free’ with one political party, there must be a
electoral process is one where return to constitutionalism. This means
To ensure credible elections, the fundamental human rights and freedoms that Mnangagwa must respect
JUNE-JULY 2018 11The military factor
constitutional constraints on his power
such as term limits and that the security
forces must agree to respect the outcome
of elections and not seek to influence
and the 2018 elections
them regardless of the liberation
credentials of the successful party
or candidates.
Human rights must be protected. It is
essential that both the military and THE moment one echoes ‘elections’ in an
ZANU-PF commit to this principle.Their African locale, violence nippily unsettles
failure to do so has been a constant the political nerves of the electorate mostly
problem in previous elections. Zimbabwe in the rural communities.
needs to see an end to the intimidation
of voters and the politicisation of food In the Zimbabwean context, the military
aid and other services, especially in meddling in politics on partisan lines is
rural areas. unconstitutional and thus, Mr Robert
Mugabe (for mer president), had
The military has taken on a more legitimacy challenges after every election.
By Costah Nkomo
prominent political role because of its
Having mentioned this, drawing lines for
removal of Mugabe and its installation of
the military and urging them to stay out legitimacy sake in this election.
Mnangagwa in power. This needs to be
of polls as European Union has already
swiftly reversed. A free and fair election
advised, becomes a huge and primary Zimbabwe’s political environment
can only happen under a civilian
requisite for free, fair and credible elections especially during the election period is
government.
in Zimbabwe this year. compounded and led by liberation struggle
phobia. This sets up a war mode which
The military, therefore, needs to return The military’s presence in rural areas on contradicts the conduct of fair, free and
to barracks and there needs to be a public the eve of the election entrenches fear credible elections in July. The military
commitment that all security forces, among the people and it is a henceforth should be withdrawn from
including the police, are meant to serve disenfranchisement stratagem targeted at villages for the chlorination of the electoral
and protect all the people of Zimbabwe opposition’s voters. Deploying the army environment.
without fear or favour. in rural areas also violates the Constitution,
precisely Section 211 (3) which says: “The This will also promote freedom of
These changes need to be effectively defence forces must respect the association which forms one of the
communicated so that ordinary fundamental rights and freedoms of all fundamental keys to free, fair and
Zimbabweans know that they can persons and be non-partisan, national in credible elections.
participate in the election without risking character, patriotic, professional and
their personal safety. subordinate to the civilian authority as The elections are also being conducted on
established by this constitution.” the back of the military’s declaration that
This means that the government needs the army will not salute civilian leadership
to lead in the peace and reconciliation Reading Section 211 together with Section in the event that he or she wins an election.
process, to acknowledge past wrongs, 214, fur ther elaborates the This statement, MDC-T president (Nelson
apologise to victims and persuade the unconstitutionality of the deployment of Chamisa) has called for it to be reversed
population that similar things will not the army in the rural areas. Section 214 so that the election is conducted on a
happen again. reads in part: “the President must cause corrected bad precedence.
Parliament to be informed, promptly and
in appropriate detail, of the reasons for Sanity must be restored in the Zimbabwe
Philemon Jambaya is a social political their deployment and (1) where they are Electoral Commission (ZEC) so that it
commentator deployed in Zimbabwe ...” conducts itself autonomously before and
during elections in a transparent manner.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has not ZEC needs a serious cleansing amid
told parliament about army deployment allegations that more than half of its
in rural areas. Thus, upholding the working staff comprises of serving and
Constitution becomes important for retired military personnel. The military is
12 JUNE-JULY 2018alleged to be fronting President Emmerson rural areas. Their position influences the media’s universal grand design which is to
Mnangagwa’s candidature just like they election outcome, a pattern that has disseminate infor mation on an
did with Mr Robert Mugabe before. characterised Zimbabwe’s elections. The impartial basis.
In that regard, demilitarisation of ZEC is 2013 Zimbabwe-adopted constitution
another prerequisite for credible elections draws the line for traditional chiefs, This is the fourth estate’s great commission
to succeed in Zimbabwe. advising them to conduct themselves in in which the expectation is to discharge
an apolitical manner. watchdogging roles on the executive,
Still on ZEC, the ballot paper printing and judiciary and the parliamentarians. For
ink to be used for voting processes must Section 281 (2) says: “Traditional leaders Zimbabwe to have fair, free and credible
be treated with uttermost democratic must not be members of any political party elections the media’s original commission
respect. Chamisa, speaking at the launch or in any way participate in partisan politics must be restored first. The state media
of the peace document in the capital ... fur ther the interests of any should be encouraged to give all political
(Harare) said: “We will not do anything political party.” players equal space. This will enable the
without dealing with the issue of ballot electorate to sufficiently elect contestants
papers and the ink that is going to be used. On the contrary, the Election Resource on informed basis.
Centre (ERC) in January 2018 dragged
On this one we are prepared to surrender the Chiefs Council boss, Fortune Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, has
ourselves before we surrender our victory, Charumbira, to court over his allegiance often been employed as an intimidating
this is so important.” to Zanu PF which he pronounced publicly tool on the eve and during elections in the
urging traditional leaders to support Zanu past. The famous video footage that used
All contesting parties should be served PF in this coming election. to dominate adverts on ZBC TV’s prime
with the information regarding the number time, shows two cars colliding in a fatal
of ballot papers to be used in this election. Traditional chiefs have thus been turned accident followed by a non-sympathetic
The ink to be used must be known. All into Zanu PF political commissars voice saying: “Another is to die, don’t
the contracted companies to supply all embarking on an intimidation overdrive commit suicide, vote Zanu PF and live.”
concerned election material must be and politically victimising defenceless The international election observer team
clearly known to all contesting parties. villagers. Going forward, traditional chiefs must be allowed to assess ZEC’s capability
ZEC must also submit voters roll for should revise and retract the statement to conduct elections. The observer team
inspection to all political contestants and made by their boss Mr Charumbira. This must be also served with information to
there must be a rational satisfaction from will set a conducive environment for do with ballot paper printing for them to
the contestants. ZEC need to act in good credible elections. approve the outcome.
faith with the number of polling stations
intended to ser ve the electorate. Another critical benchmark in order for Costah Nkomo is a journalist with 263Chat.
this election to produce accepted outcomes He writes in his personal capacity.
The vote count must be transparent in the is to allow the media to conduct itself
presence of all political par ties’ freely without being influenced along
representatives. In memory of Joseph political party lines. This is in line with the
Stalin: “The people who cast the votes
decide nothing; the people who count the
votes decide everything.” Counting of votes
in this regard is the final important stage
and ZEC must be faithful in that regard.
The opposition political parties should also
play a role for the country to have an
accepted election outcome. They need to
set up a team comprising of technical,
legal and political experts as well as activists
who are immune to manipulation across
the country prior to and during the
election.
The team must be trained so that it watches
with vigilance in order to be able to pick
anomalies during voting and counting.
Another important area to look at is the
political positions of traditional chiefs in
JUNE-JULY 2018 13Upsurge in aspiring
independent
By Grace Mutandwa
Elections used to be easier and simpler
candidates
of political parties so they are going candidates some potential voters said
when there were few political parties it alone. they were tired of empty promises from
to choose from. seating councillors or Members of
While competition in all spheres of life Parliament, all drawn from political
But when you have 118 parties as well including in politics is important and parties, but it is hard to say if that will
as a large number of aspiring good for democracy, the large number translate into votes for independent
independent candidates, you are not just of independent candidates will certainly candidates.
spoilt for choice but quite confused too. upset whatever gains in numbers the
established political parties hope to get. Some of the aspiring independent
Political parties provide a sense of There are people who will only vote for candidates have a chance of winning but
belonging and moral support for Zanu PF, MDC-T (MDC Alliance) or most will simply get the votes of those
candidates. They also frown on Zapu, but every party wants to entice who are not sold on party politics or
independence of thought which might the fence sitters and these are the people votes of those who are more fluid in
not be in line with what is dictated by most likely to vote for independent their choice of a candidate. They might
the leader. There is a slim chance or no candidates. not win but they will take away some
room for an independent mind in votes from the parties.
organised political parties. There are also voters who traditionally
vote for specific parties but have with There has been an argument advanced
As Zimbabwe heads for elections in July, every election become less inclined to that independent candidates will split
the number of people seeking public vote for their party of choice but they the vote, but this only rings true in a
office who feel restricted by party might abstain from voting rather than situation where they manage to entice
politics continues to increase. There are vote for an independent candidate. supporters of political parties to vote
young men and women who have for them, but most political supporters
registered their intention to contest for It is a given that the two main parties, in Zimbabwe are loyal to a fault when
council or legislative seats. Zanu PF and the MDC Alliance will get it comes to their suppor t and
the most votes and seats, but an aspiring membership to parties. They rarely if
They all have one thing in common - a independent parliamentary candidate ever stray from their voting patterns.
strong abhorrence for the restrictions like Fadzayi Mahere stands a chance of
imposed by political parties. They also winning the Mt Pleasant constituency. Aspiring independent candidates assume
feel that political parties have failed to Two or three independent candidates they will hold sway over governing
drive economic change and to promote might make it to parliament. There is decisions, but the reality in a country
political renewal. also a chance that a few aspiring such as Zimbabwe is that the ruling party
independent councillors might also win. always has control on how resources are
Disenchantment with traditional political allocated and how fast any projects on
parties has given rise to the number of It is not just those running as the ground will move. Voters know this
aspiring independent candidates. Some independent candidates who feel they and will likely take that into
of these aspiring candidates know exactly have been failed by political parties, but consideration when voting.
what it is that needs to be done to fix some of the voters too.
Zimbabwe’s problems. They are There are people who have already made
determined to see change but they do At the launch of the People’s Own Voice up their minds about who they will vote
not want to be restrained by strictures (POVO), a coalition of independent for. There are also some people struck
14 JUNE-JULY 2018You can also read
