“The Security Forces are aware of machinations by some political leaders who are encouraging their supporters to picket around polling stations in the name of “defending their vote”. We also know that some political parties are currently recruiting youths from urban areas, for deployment in some rural areas where they would co-ordinate these so-called “defend the vote” antics. We are, however, aware that these are machinations aimed at inciting violence. This conduct violates Section 90 of the Electoral Act and Sections 8 and 10 of the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act, which prohibit gathering around Polling Stations and any unauthorized congregations, respectively. This mischief must stop. The Security Forces are ready to descend on any persons who will be caught on the wrong side of the law.” – Hon Minister Kazembe Kazembe (21.08.2023)
It is now 48 hours to the polls and the harmonised elections of 23rd August 2023. The ones believing this will be any different than previous elections in Zimbabwe. Well, someone has to say and it could just be me. The incumbent will be (s)elected and he will have a massive majority in the Parliament and within local government. There will be no wave or fanfare. No, there will be delay of final results and they will ensure another term of ZANU-PF at the helm.
There is no signs on the horizon for anything different. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and everyone in the security apparatus is ready. The fear and intimidation. The intense feeling all across the board. While most of the game is pre-fixed and altered to ensure a safe journey of the President and his men.
The ZANU-PF of today wouldn’t risk anything else. It is a formality. The empty promises, the small gifts at the rallies and the buses of voter tourism. Expect more that on voting day and some shady polling stations even. There will be weird tabulations and even anomalies that makes no sense. In the past there been several of dead people voting on Robert Mugabe. So, I expect nothing less to happen in regard to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The ones believing that he will reform or change anything is oblivious to his reign. Things aren’t getting better and nothing has been done that is substantial. There been some grand corruption scandals and such, but nothing delivered or policy wise that is significant for the citizens. ZANU-PF has the one-party control of the state and uses proxies to look “open” or “sincere”. Which is why this election will make no difference or be a vindication for the citizens.
No, the citizens are just pawns. The rallies and whatnot is nice for a token and looks like an election. However, the ballots and the announced results will be in favour of ZANU-PF. President Mnangagwa will be re-elected and there will be no mercy on the CCC. The MDC-Alliance and whatever else will have no real shot either. The other candidates will just swim out of water and struggle to breathe. That is done with intention by the ones in power. They don’t intend to let other in and if so… they are there as pawns and to play their part like Douglas Mwonzora.
Nelson Chamisa might be a wise man, might be a good leader and the hope of Zimbabwe. Him and his team of the CCC is maybe the future. Regardless of that is the case… ZANU-PF will not let them takeover or get the ability to govern. The ZANU-PF Politburo or other councils will not let that happen. No, Mnangagwa will not risk another exile without a Plan B or a way of returning to prominence. His to old to that and wouldn’t take away the prestige that his finally getting.
We who has followed know that Mnangagwa will be proclaimed and prepared to be sworn-in again. Harare will be tense and there will be open lethal brutality against anyone who defies or resist the announced results. The ones who questions or dares to protest does so with their lives at stake. The authorities and the government will not let go easily. This government has easily killed before and can do so again. The leaders and the ones in office have no scruples to end some civilians lives. As long as they profit and get political capital out of it. That’s what they do and if not… they let activists and opposition leaders go missing. They target the ones who voices of dissent and they don’t mind the ability to silence them forever. While no one will know what happened to them or how their final hours was. That’s what ZANU-PF does and that’s why I have no faith in these elections.
It is just procedure and with dire consequences. Lives will be taken and people will be scorned for life. There will be use of lethal force and use of brutal intimidation of the ones who dares to oppose it. That’s why you know the game is rigged and Mnangagwa will see another day. Peace.
MinBane 