In recent times, two scenarios involving the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) have come under scrutiny, shedding light on the party’s actions and motivations. Scenario A witnessed ZANU PF parading over 200 alleged disgruntled ghost defections and a crowd of about 100 party members and press, with little regard for COVID-19 regulations. Scenario B, on the other hand, saw ZANU PF hiding behind World Health Organization (WHO) regulations while hosting gatherings and charitable events involving hundreds of people. These events have raised questions about ZANU PF’s intentions and have exposed their hypocrisy.
It doesn’t take a politically savvy individual to see that the delay in holding by-elections is rooted in fear. ZANU PF seems uncertain about the potential outcome of these elections, fearing that opposition parties could recover vacant seats. This fear-driven decision undermines the principles of democracy and accountability, allowing ZANU PF to appoint representatives rather than letting the people decide.
The delay in elections also poses a significant threat to the Zimbabwean constitution. With ZANU PF in power, the constitution could be further manipulated to create a one-party state, a long-standing aspiration of the party. This would erode essential human rights and liberties, leaving minorities and the opposition vulnerable to the tyranny of ZANU PF.
However, ZANU PF’s strategy of delaying elections is shortsighted. As vaccination efforts continue and herd immunity is achieved, ZANU PF will run out of excuses to postpone elections further. This delay only serves to highlight the party’s failures, as its handpicked appointees fail to deliver on their promises. The increasingly politically informed electorate is likely to vote them out in the 2023 elections.
Some skeptics argue that this delay could be a precursor to postponing the 2023 presidential elections. However, many countries have successfully held elections during the pandemic, and by 2023, Zimbabwe should have achieved herd immunity. ZANU PF would have no justification to postpone the presidential elections, and the fear-driven delay tactic would ultimately fail.
Moreover, the indefinite postponement of by-elections could indicate a preference for a government of national unity between ZANU PF and a weak opposition. However, such an arrangement is unlikely to succeed without the direct involvement of a strong and independent opposition. ZANU PF’s attempts to delay the inevitable transition of power are futile.
It’s crucial to recognize that a weak, pliant opposition will not miraculously revive the economy or heal the nation from past abuses. ZANU PF’s desire for a one-party state, even with a subservient opposition, is an admission of its failure to govern effectively. The only solution to Zimbabwe’s problems lies in free and fair elections that allow for a peaceful transition of power.
In conclusion, ZANU PF’s attempts to retain power through delaying elections and manipulating the political landscape are destined to fail. The resilient opposition, whether through by-elections or recalls enabled by the law, remains a force to be reckoned with. ZANU PF’s hypocrisy and fear-driven tactics will only lead to its own entanglement and eventual strategic capitulation. The people of Zimbabwe deserve a government that respects democracy and accountability, and it’s time for change.