A TALE OF BROKEN PROMISES AND LOST HOPE
The 2018 elections in Zimbabwe, an event that should have been a hallmark of democracy, instead unfolded as a masterclass in manipulation and control by the ruling party, ZANU PF. This election, marred by controversial tactics and the undermining of democratic principles, served as a poignant example of the party’s enduring grip on power, often at the expense of the nation’s welfare.
The backdrop to these elections was a series of grandiose promises made by ZANU PF, pledges that, to the politically astute, seemed more like fanciful dreams than achievable goals. The party’s claims, akin to a leopard professing to change its spots and grow wool, were met with skepticism by those familiar with its history of unfulfilled commitments and authoritarian rule.
As the election neared, the realities on the ground starkly contrasted the rosy picture painted by the state media. Despite the government’s tight control over the media narrative, the truth of the situation was undeniable. None of the extravagant promises – the creation of millions of jobs, the electrification of rural areas, the upliftment of the impoverished – had come to fruition. Instead, the populace remained mired in hardship, their hopes dimmed by the persistent shadows of state repression and looming famine.
The election itself was a well-orchestrated display of the state’s coercive power. Various state institutions, which should operate independently as per the constitution, were co-opted into a scheme to ensure the continuation of ZANU PF’s rule. The election was less about reflecting the popular will of the people and more about preserving the power of a party that has long neglected the welfare of its citizens.
In the face of their failure to deliver on promises and improve the lives of the populace, ZANU PF resorted to familiar tactics: violence and intimidation. These methods, repugnant yet effective, were employed to quell any dissent and maintain a hold on power. The irony is palpable – a government resorting to oppression to avoid accountability for its own failures.
The tragic truth is that ZANU PF, a party that has been in power for four decades, has shown a persistent aversion to genuine development and public welfare. Their reign has been characterized by self-enrichment, corruption, and a blatant disregard for the law. To expect a sudden shift towards public-oriented policies from a regime with such a history would be nothing short of naive.
As Zimbabweans, we find ourselves at a crossroads, faced with the reality of a government that rules through fear rather than through the consent of its governed. The 2018 elections were not just about unkept promises; they were a reflection of a deeper crisis – a crisis of governance, where the interests of the few override the needs of the many.
This reality serves as a call to action for all who dream of a better Zimbabwe. It is a reminder that the path to change is fraught with challenges but not insurmountable. Our collective voice, our resilience, and our unyielding pursuit of justice are the tools we possess to reclaim our nation’s destiny.
