Ruling party in Zimbabwe believes there will not be violence at this year’s elections

[Nat Quinn]

With less than two weeks to go before a tense general election in Zimbabwe, the ruling party has ensured that the army will not be mobilised to quell potential protests, a move that had fatal consequences in the previous elections. The military involvement resulted in the deaths of six individuals following controversial voting in 2018.

ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa stressed during a pre-election debate in Johannesburg that immediate army intervention was unlikely should a similar situation arise, citing improvements in police training since 2018. He admitted that they had learned from past mistakes, saying, “We learn from our mistakes.” The upcoming elections on August 23 will see Zimbabweans vote for the president and legislature, with a rematch between ZANU-PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nelson Chamisa, the 45-year-old lawyer who leads the largest opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

Prior to the election, concerns about a crusade against dissension and possible irregularities emerged. Opposition representatives, who attended the debate along with ZANU-PF, accused the ruling party of inciting violence and instilling fear among opposition factions. The political climate ahead of Zimbabwean elections is often characterised as “an extreme sport,” with allegations that ZANU-PF openly promotes peace while resorting to violence behind the scenes. The CCC recently alleged that one of their members was stoned by ZANU-PF supporters, causing further tension in the run-up to the elections.

 

source:Ruling party in Zimbabwe believes there will not be violence at this year’s elections (afrinuus.com)

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