One of the biggest scandals in Zimbabwe’s history is the US$100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission scandal. This scandal involves Wicknell Chivhayo, his business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, and some top government officials. These people are accused of taking public money meant for the country and using it for their own benefit. The government trusted them with this money, but instead of doing the right thing, they took it for personal gain. Now, Chivhayo and his partners are detained for two corruption cases. This is one of the saddest and most shocking stories of corruption in Zimbabwe today.

While this scandal unfolds, Zimbabwe is preparing for important elections. But instead of focusing on making the elections fair and transparent, the ruling party, ZANU PF, is using force to silence political opponents. Opposition members like Job Sikhala and Jacob Harivhume have been arrested and detained. This is a serious problem because it shows how oppression is being used to shut down any opposition voices.

Job Sikhala is one of the most well-known members of the opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). He has always spoken out against the ZANU PF government and has stood up for the rights of ordinary Zimbabweans. Many people admire him for his courage and honesty. But instead of listening to his concerns, ZANU PF has jailed him. They accuse him of crimes that many people believe are not fair. By doing this, ZANU PF is trying to stop one of their strongest critics from speaking.

Jacob Harivhume, the leader of another opposition party, Transform Zimbabwe, is also in jail. Like Sikhala, Harivhume has spoken out about the need for political reform in Zimbabwe. Although his party is not as big as the CCC, his voice has been important in calling for justice and citizens’ rights. ZANU PF’s actions against him show they are trying to silence even the smaller voices that challenge them. This makes others afraid to speak out against the government.

These arrests are part of a larger pattern of repression in Zimbabwe. Human rights groups have said for years that free speech, press, and assembly are being taken away. The situation is getting worse. The government seems to be using more force and fear to stop anyone who disagrees with them. With the elections coming up, the arrests of opposition leaders like Sikhala and Harivhume are very worrying. Many people are now asking if the elections can really be free and fair.

Elections are supposed to give people the chance to choose their leaders freely and fairly. But if opposition leaders are arrested without good reason, how can the elections be fair? Many people in Zimbabwe now doubt that their votes will count or that the election process will be honest. The arrests of Sikhala and Harivhume are making this doubt even stronger.

The international community needs to pay attention to what is happening in Zimbabwe. The world must act to ensure that the government respects the rights of its people. Other countries and organizations can put pressure on Zimbabwe’s government to do what is right. For example, they can use sanctions or issue strong statements to show they do not support ZANU PF’s actions against its opponents.

People inside Zimbabwe also need to work together. Civil society groups can demand justice for Sikhala, Harivhume, and others who have been jailed unfairly. They can organize peaceful protests, speak out in the media, and provide legal help for those detained. When Zimbabweans and international groups unite, they can push for change.

Zimbabwe can be a better country where democracy, justice, and equality are real. But this will only happen if the government stops using oppressive tactics. The future of Zimbabwe depends on open dialogue, respect for human rights, and the ability for everyone to have a voice. The world must stand with Zimbabweans now to fight for a better, fairer society.