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High-density suburbs in Harare are rapidly turning into war zones
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
February 02, 2011

High Density suburbs in Harare are rapidly turning into war zones due to the continued talk and campaign activity around elections.

Apart from the chaos that occurred in Mbare on Monday, ZANU PF's Operation Ngatizivaneyi is gaining ground in Mabvuku and other parts of the country. Under the guise of this operation, ZANU PF loyalists are going door to door taking down names of every person in Mabvuku while fraudulently adding their names and signatures to the anti-sanctions petition.

Meanwhile, an upsurge in the country's political temperature is expected, following a statement made by Thamsanqa Mhlangu, the MDC-T youth chairperson. Mhlangu said that the party's youth might start hitting back at ZANU PF's acts of violence, promising youth protection of the assembly's 'parents, brothers, sisters wherever they are and under whatever circumstances.' He added that ZANU PF should prepare to receive as much as they dish out if this lawlessness continues.

This pledge for violence between the two main political parties brings to mind civil unrest in Egypt, which is resulting in unwarranted loss of life. Having endured politically motivated violence in 2008, Zimbabwe is not ready for the resumption of violence in any form.

The people should not fear elections as if it were a plague. Something needs to be done to stop this savagery.

"Is Zimbabwe ready for an election in 2011?" Have we recovered from the trauma of post 2008 elections?" Who can guarantee Zimbabweans a free and fair election?"

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