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Postponement of the presidential run-off is pathological
Mutsa Murenje
May 16, 2008

Article 20 (2) of the African (Banjul) Charter on Human and Peoples- Rights states lucidly that: Colonised or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. For this reason, the oppressed people of Zimbabwe had the opportunity to free themselves from the bonds of ZANU PF domination on March 29 when the country-s leadership was due for renewal. Results of the poll held on the aforesaid day revealed beyond argument that Morgan Tsvangirai won outright thereby dismissing the need for a run-off of the presidential election. ZEC, however, manipulated the results (in favor of the defeated dictator Robert Mugabe) to allow the need for a run-off. This run-off was supposed to be held within 21 days of release of the results and in this case on the 23rd of this month since results were released on 2nd May. But ZEC this time has chosen to extend from 21 days to 90 days. Why??? And we are told ad nauseam that ZEC is impartial, independent, transparent and competent.

This contribution is dedicated to the proposition that the postponement of the presidential run-off is pathological, unreasonable and insensible either on moral or prudential grounds. ZEC is taking Zimbabweans for granted because they are acting in bad faith at the expense of the whole nation. Why should we allow the prolonging of the people-s suffering just to please one man who doesn-t want to leave the seat of power peacefully and voluntarily? Is it not a truism that people have a right to destroy a government, any government that continues the practice of the colonial regime?

The truth is that the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe was built on the hope for new opportunities. The liberation struggle was about freedom not dictatorship. People made great sacrifices during the period in question and have worked hard since. But it is quite disquieting to note that there is nothing to show for the 28 years we have been 'independent-. We are hurt, disillusioned, and angry about the paucity of economic opportunities that have come with liberation. The future looks bleak indeed unless drastic steps are taken now to reverse current conditions and trends.

That the country is down on its knees is there for all to see. Zimbabwe-s inflation is over 160 000% and is undoubtedly the highest in the world. Unemployment stands at over 80%. Local authorities cannot provide services for which people continue to pay. Refuse collection is at a standstill because of the dearth of fuel and foreign currency to buy spare parts for refuse collection trucks. Water is available at intermittent intervals, and its quality is suspect because it is not properly treated. Residents go for days without water in some places. Infrastructure is collapsing and services in schools and hospitals continue to deteriorate. There are no drugs in hospitals and clinics. People are dying.

To make matters worse, ministers and their permanent secretaries fatten on bribes and inflated salaries. Large-scale corruption involving senior officials in executive, judicial, legislative, and other official positions in government has had a devastating effect on democracy, the rule of law, and economic development. The number of victims of politically motivated violence and torture has reached 900 with 22 confirmed deaths since the March 29 election. And you still want 90 days! What for when the nation is bleeding? ZEC is a political appendage working in cahoots with ZANU PF to frustrate the masses. In case you didn-t know, frustration sometimes leads to aggression (frustration-aggression theory) and this isn-t what we want. ZEC should forthwith stop treading on dangerous political ground. You will one day pay for your sins. It is sinful to steal people-s victory. This is daylight robbery.

As for our leadership in the MDC, we must go beyond a willingness to accommodate to change; we must want to create change and to control the situation surrounding us because we have identified worthwhile things to do and we want to do these things. I rest my case.

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