The political landscape of Zimbabwe is currently marred by a disturbing trend of constitutional disregard, predominantly driven by ZANU PF’s electoral rigging tactics and its undue influence over the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). This erosion of impartiality within ZEC has transformed the institution into a mere puppet, exploited by ZANU PF to further its interests, undermining the democratic process in the country.
The Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) has recently raised objections to the By Elections voters roll published by ZEC, citing numerous inconsistencies and biases that disproportionately favor ZANU PF. According to investigations by Team Pachedu, a group of data scientists, the voters roll contains strategic irregularities designed to provide ZANU PF with an edge over CCC, a party that enjoys significant public support. These irregularities include registering individuals from the same house addresses in different wards and using inactive or incomplete addresses, thereby compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
Moreover, thousands of voters have been relocated from their original constituencies, a tactic likely to hinder timely voting. ZEC’s failure to clarify these anomalies, coupled with the justice system’s apparent bias towards ZANU PF, highlights a disturbing trend of state capture and institutionalized electoral fraud. Despite the glaring evidence of tampering with electoral data, no substantial investigations or actions have been initiated, a typical approach of ZANU PF to evade accountability.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has condemned ZEC’s inaction, emphasizing the need for the Commission to act in accordance with constitutional mandates or face dissolution. This situation underscores the lack of constitutionalism within ZANU PF, a party whose internal power dynamics and governance structures are themselves mired in controversy and undemocratic practices. President Mnangagwa’s ascent to power within ZANU PF, often viewed as a military-backed maneuver, sets a precedent for the party’s broader disregard for democratic norms and institutions.
The systemic issues within ZANU PF reflect a broader problem in Zimbabwe’s political society. The party’s inability to uphold democratic principles at its core mirrors the undemocratic practices that plague national governance. This failure has profound implications, affecting the economic, political, and social well-being of Zimbabweans. As the saying goes, “charity begins at home,” implying that ZANU PF’s internal dysfunction and undemocratic tendencies are inevitably mirrored in its national governance.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s political scenario is deeply troubled by the unconstitutional and undemocratic actions of ZANU PF and the compromised integrity of ZEC. These issues not only challenge the foundations of democracy in Zimbabwe but also threaten the country’s prospects for development and stability. There is an urgent need for reform and accountability to restore faith in the country’s democratic institutions and processes, ensuring that the rights and voices of all Zimbabweans are respected and heard.