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Is Zimbabwe ready for elections?

The question about Zimbabwe’s readiness for elections has been a topic of discussion in various forums since the inception of the Government of National Unity, under the Global Political Agreement in February 2009.  Three years later, the debate continues with the President, Robert Mugabe being quoted in various media saying elections will take place this year. National Youth Development Trust took to the streets to find out from various young people if they think it is feasible and proper to have elections this year.

Cleopatra Ndlovu, a young lady who is volunteering at Radio Dialogue said that it is not possible to hold elections this year because essential reforms have not been put in place.

“The country is still struggling to implement the key democratic reforms stipulated by SADC. Zimbabwe is still operating under an oppressed media, a biased Electoral Commission and signs of voter intimidation have cropped up as cohesive apparatus have built bases in the areas where civilians and politicians can be victimised,” said Ndlovu.

She further said, “The SADC guidelines stipulate that an independent ZEC be set up with new personnel. Despite the fact that a new ZEC has been established, old staff has been reappointed despite the stipulations of the GPA. Journalists need to interrogate the political process without fear of being arrested, kidnapped and tortured, but this is not so as the current draconian laws that muzzle the media are still in use. Violence and intimidation marred 2008 elections. The state security apparatus was seemingly involved in this violence. This sector has not reformed as it is still heavily tilted in ZANU PF’s favour. Until these reforms are put in place the country will not be in a position to go to polls.”

Chiedza Chidaushe, a school going youth told NYDT that the constitution making process needs to be complete before the country thinks of taking matters to the ballot. However she stressed on the fact that political parties are manipulating the process as they are not confident of winning a free and fair election.

“The constitution is a document that will ensure that the country is well governed. It is the law of the country hence it needs to be complete before elections can be announced. So far the country’s constitution making process has been hijacked and manipulated by political parties, who have no confidence in winning a free and fair poll,” said Chidaushe.

Darlington Gama from the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association said that the people need to know what they want the elections to do for them first before they consider going to the polls. He stressed on the fact that people need to be sure that the elections will establish a new democratic regime.

“It goes beyond having mere elections. We need to ask ourselves what we want the elections to do for us. Is it to bring violence, new leadership that will be chosen by the people or to have a new GNU? We need to be sure that if we hold elections we will establish a new democratic regime; if we are not sure then we need to first make the environment conducive before we can go for any plebiscite. This includes the constitutional referendum, because it has some potential to foster violence and suffering to innocent citizens,” said Gama.

Evalason Yobe of Old Pumula told NYDT that having elections is not feasible as the country is not financially stable.

“The country does not have money to roll out elections at the moment. The elections were not budgeted for this year. If we have them where will the money come from considering that the country is already heavily indebted?” said Yobe.

The debate on the ideal time for Zimbabwe to hold general elections continues amid complaints by various stakeholders that the political environment is not yet conducive enough to guarantee a free and fair election.  Zanu PF has continuously echoed sentiments that elections will take place this year whereas on the other hand the Morgan Tsvangirai led faction  of the MDC has hinted on March 2013 as a possible election time.