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Commemorating International Day of Democracy
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
September 14, 2008

'Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life.' The United Nations

Facts

• Democracy is rule of the people, by the people, for the people (Abraham Lincoln)
• The key tenets of a democracy are; free and fair elections, a constitution which limits the power of office bearers, enjoyment of universally recognized freedoms and liberties, a vibrant civil society and an independent media
• On the 15th of September 2008 the world commemorates International Day of Democracy under the theme 'Your voice, your choice. Together we can make democracy work'
• This day was marked as a day when all nations are tasked with reiterating the need for the promotion of democracy, development and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

The Zimbabwean government has, in all aspects failed to uphold democratic practices. The election run off which was held on the 27th of June 2008, after the 29 March 2008 election failed to bring out a decisive winner, was marred with violence rendering the elections nothing close to free and fair. Universal freedoms and liberties are not upheld by the Zimbabwean government as evidenced by the continued torture and arrests of opposition voices. Since the 29th of March 2008 election, hundreds of opposition supporters were arbitrarily beaten, arrested, tortured, abducted and some killed for their opposition views depriving them of their right to speak and express themselves.

What makes the Zimbabwean scenario worse is that the constitution cannot protect the citizenry. The constitution has been amended more times than any other in the world and instead of limiting the powers of office bearers; it has ultimately amplified their powers making the executive 'untouchable'. In many instances, the President of Zimbabwe has amended the constitution using the authoritative Presidential Powers Act. The Zimbabwean government has thus, become a law unto itself.

On many occasions the government has tried to suffocate both the civil society and independent press which are critical watchdogs of government and its institutions through intimidation and torture. On the 11th of March 2007, civil society and political party leaders who converged at Harare grounds for a prayer meeting were arrested and tortured while in police custody. The media has not been spared from such attacks. Many independent journalists including Frank Chikowore have been arrested and accused of supporting Western governments.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls upon the Harare administration to uphold democracy in the country remaining cognizant of the fact that they are there to serve the people and not to subject them to degrading practices. Every individual has the right to be respected regardless of their stature or position in society.

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe fact sheet

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