In the lead-up to the 2023 elections in Zimbabwe, a distressing pattern of continuous political violence perpetuated by ZANU PF has emerged, casting a dark shadow over the country’s democratic process. The widespread fear and intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party are raising concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the upcoming elections.

Campaign of Fear and Intimidation

ZANU PF’s history of using violence as a political tool is well-documented, and unfortunately, the pre-2023 election period is proving to be no exception. Reports from various sources highlight a disturbing surge in politically motivated violence, ranging from physical assaults to outright threats against opposition members and their supporters. This campaign of fear and intimidation seeks to suppress dissenting voices and consolidate ZANU PF’s hold on power.

Violence as a Strategy

The ruling party’s utilization of violence as a strategy to maintain control has been a deeply ingrained practice for years. By perpetuating violence, ZANU PF aims to create an environment where citizens are too afraid to voice their opinions or align themselves with opposition parties. This strategic manipulation of fear hampers the democratic process and undermines the fundamental rights of Zimbabwean citizens.

Impact on Democracy

The continuous political violence not only undermines the principles of democracy but also erodes public trust in the electoral process. When citizens fear for their safety simply because of their political affiliations, it becomes challenging for them to engage freely in discussions and debates that are vital for a healthy democratic society. The outcome is a skewed political landscape where the ruling party enjoys an unfair advantage due to the climate of fear it has created.

International Concerns

ZANU PF’s approach to the upcoming elections has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Concerns have been raised by various international bodies and human rights organizations regarding the escalating violence. The international community’s watchful eye is a reminder that the world is observing Zimbabwe’s actions closely and that any infringement on the democratic process will not go unnoticed.

Call for Accountability

In the face of this rampant political violence, there is an urgent need for accountability. The perpetrators of violence must be held responsible for their actions, regardless of their political affiliations. A culture of impunity only encourages further violence and undermines the rule of law. Political leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners must collectively condemn these actions and work towards ensuring that justice prevails.

Upholding Democratic Values

As Zimbabwe prepares for the 2023 elections, it is crucial to uphold the core values of democracy – freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in the political process without fear of violence. The responsibility lies not only with the ruling party but also with all stakeholders invested in a fair and transparent electoral process. This includes ensuring that voters can exercise their rights without intimidation and that the election results truly reflect the will of the people.

The persistent political violence orchestrated by ZANU PF ahead of the 2023 elections threatens to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic progress. The intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party cast doubt on the legitimacy of the upcoming elections and raise concerns about the overall state of democracy in the country. It is imperative for both domestic and international actors to hold ZANU PF accountable for its actions and work together to ensure a free, fair, and violence-free electoral process that upholds the principles of democracy.