ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared victory in an election sparked by fraud allegations against the ruling ZANU-PF party. He defeated Nelson Chamisa, his closest rival, strengthening ZANU-PF’s power in Zimbabwe, which has faced economic challenges over the past 20 years due to rising prices, increased unemployment, and shortages in essential supplies.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has been accused of bias in favour of ZANU-PF, with Mnangagwa receiving 52.6% of the vote, while Chamisa’s party, Citizens Coalition for Change, criticized the results and threatened to contest them.
With Mnangagwa earning another five years in office, Zimbabwe faces challenges in breaking out of isolation from Western countries seeking greater democracy and human rights.
Zimbabwe’s election irregularities, a longstanding issue, have been a significant issue since the overthrow of former leader Robert Mugabe in 2017.
This year’s election, which took place on Wednesday, was marred by delays of over 10 hours at some polling places, primarily in urban areas where Chamisa and his party have a majority of support. The electoral commission’s failure to distribute ballots on time further exacerbated the situation.
Zimbabwean police detained election watchdogs, accusing them of promoting unrest by disclosing poll results. ZANU-PF officials presented their own election forecasts without police criticism.
Independent foreign observation missions, including the European Union mission, criticized the fairness and legitimacy of the elections. The European Union mission accused the government of restricting fundamental freedoms through repressive laws and acts of violence, leading to a climate of fear.
Despite a successful electoral day, the ZANU-PF spokesman, Christopher Mutsvangwa, criticized the election process for falling short of regional and international standards, including equality, universality, and transparency. He praised the flawless election procedures, stating that they demonstrated the world’s practice of democracy.
Analysts claim that ZANU-PF used the state apparatus to stifle opposition gatherings and attempt to remove candidates from the ballot. They also used Forever Associates Zimbabwe, a fictitious military organization, to intimidate voters in rural communities, according to Bekezela Gumbo, a researcher at the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute.
Critics argue that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, staffed by ZANU-PF members, failed to create a comprehensive voter list and moved polling places, potentially confusing voters. Voting was delayed due to judicial challenges, with Harare and other opposition-held urban regions contributing to the delays.
Rodney Kiwa, the panel’s vice chairman, criticized the lack of transparency in the Zimbabwean elections. Mirirai Moyo, a mother of three, returned to her Harare market stall after failing to cast her ballot, claiming her polling place was empty.
Zimbabwe’s triple-digit inflation has resurfaced under Mnangagwa’s administration, with 90% of the workforce working informal jobs. Over 60% of Zimbabweans believe corruption has worsened since Mnangagwa’s arrival, and 70% believe the country is moving in the wrong direction.
Chamisa, a lawyer, preacher, and parliamentary member, is leading the Citizens Coalition for Change, aiming to re-engage with the US and Europe. Meanwhile, 70-year-old Maggie Sibanda voted for C.C.C. due to her children’s suffering in South Africa.
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