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Zanu PF fails to repent on political violence
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
March 29, 2004

Crisis Coalition is deeply perturbed by the continued killing of innocent citizens during election time, the latest such incident being the shooting of Francis Chinozvinya, a Movement for Democratic Change youth who was shot dead yesterday allegedly by Zanu PF supporters and high-ranking government officials.

We note with concern that the politics of coercion continues to rule the roost in our country despite continued claims by the government and the ruling party that they are committed to democracy, peace and development.

The death of Chinozvinya and other opposition activists who have died at the hands of rogue war veterans and the youth militia since the 2000 parliamentary elections and the subsequent by-elections shows that our country is still submerged in the politics of coercion as opposed to politics of consent. Whilst the majority of Zimbabweans are reeling under a harsh economic environment, the government continues to spend precious time on harassing and intimidating the voters rather than delivering people-centred programmes that are meant to empower people and alleviate their desperate situation. The introduction of so-called "free" health facilities and distribution of food, just days before the election smacks of government’s utter hypocrisy and its unwillingness to embark on sustainable economic programmes that are meant to benefit the people of Zimbabwe.

The Coalition wants to further stress that the crisis obtaining in Zimbabwe is both a crisis of legitimacy and governance. The electoral process in Zimbabwe has been a subject of contestation for a long period of time and the government has tightened its grip on the electoral process and refused to embrace an Independent Electoral Commission to manage elections in a professional manner.

We are vindicated on our fears that without a new democratic constitution, the government will continue to act arbitrarily and use force to maintain its grip on the disillusioned masses. We challenge the law enforcement agents to execute their duties in a professional manner and bring to book the culprits who murdered Chinozvinya.

Another Zimbabwe is possible!

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