Breaking the Cycle, Can Zimbabwe Focus on Economic Growth Amidst Election Fever?

By Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe’s political and economic landscape has been marred by a culture of fear, suppression, and dictatorship, leaving citizens struggling to survive. The government’s authoritarian grip on power has stifled dissenting voices, with opposition parties facing significant hurdles in their efforts to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF party.

The country’s economic situation is dire, with hyperinflation, food shortages, and a crippling drought exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans. The government’s austerity measures, implemented under the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP), have only worsened the economic crisis, with prices of basic commodities skyrocketing and salaries remaining stagnant.

The rule of law has been undermined by the government’s disregard for human rights and the Constitution. Citizens live in fear of arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture, with security forces often using excessive force to quell dissent. The judiciary has also been compromised, with the government exerting significant influence over the appointment of judges and the outcome of cases.

The political fight has spilled into the courts, with numerous cases of alleged human rights abuses, electoral disputes, and constitutional challenges making their way through the judicial system. The courts have become a battleground for the country’s political elites, with each side seeking to use the judiciary to gain an advantage over their opponents.

The argument over the legitimacy of the 2018 presidential election has been a major point of contention, with the opposition MDC Alliance challenging the outcome in the courts. The case has been marred by controversy, with allegations of judicial bias and political interference.

Misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the law have also contributed to the political and economic crisis. The government’s failure to implement the Constitution, which was adopted in 2013, has led to confusion and uncertainty over the role of various state institutions.

In recent times, the courts have been flooded with cases related to the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The opposition and civil society have challenged the government’s lockdown measures, arguing that they are unconstitutional and disproportionate.

The business community has also been affected by the political and economic crisis. The government’s failure to provide a stable and predictable business environment has led to a decline in investment and economic growth.

In response to the crisis, the government has launched a number of initiatives aimed at promoting economic recovery and reform. The Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) is a key component of these efforts, but its implementation has been slow and uneven.

The international community has a critical role to play in supporting the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle for democracy and human rights. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

However, political battles have all been taken to the High, Supreme and Constitutional Courts.

Zimbabwe’s electoral landscape is always abuzz with activity, with the country seemingly perpetually in election mode. The latest development is the High Court’s ruling ordering the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to hold another congress. However, this ruling has largely been overtaken by events, as the MDC and other political parties are already gearing up for the 2028 elections.

This relentless focus on electoral processes has come at the expense of the country’s economic growth. Zimbabwe’s economy has been struggling for years, with hyperinflation, food shortages, and a crippling drought exacerbating the suffering of ordinary citizens.

The country’s electoral system has been criticized for lacking transparency and integrity. The Electoral Act, for instance, complicates the process of clearing voter education materials, which must be submitted to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) 28 days before their use.

Furthermore, the manipulation of the electoral system and the monopoly access to state resources for campaigning purposes have ensured a de facto one-party state, with ZANU-PF maintaining its grip on power.