Title: Zimbabwe: Contested elections and doubts about democracy
Introduction :
Zimbabwe’s recent presidential and parliamentary elections were marred by accusations of fraud, intimidation and irregularities. Regional observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) questioned whether the election complied with democratic criteria. In this article, we come back to the various elements that raise doubts about democracy in this African country.
Canceled rallies and alleged acts of intimidation:
During the election campaign, opposition rallies were canceled without reason by the authorities and the police, raising questions about free political expression in Zimbabwe. Additionally, many voters were also targets of alleged intimidation, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty around the vote.
Delays and material shortcomings:
The opening of polling stations was delayed due to a lack of voting materials, particularly in the capital Harare. This failure has raised criticism about the logistical organization of these elections. The opposition denounced fraud and obstacles to voters, thus questioning the integrity of the electoral process.
A regional mission questions the ballot:
The SADC mission, responsible for monitoring the elections, concluded that certain aspects of the poll did not comply with democratic requirements. These findings highlight doubts about the legitimacy of the electoral process and raise concerns about the transparency and fairness of these elections.
Conclusion :
Zimbabwe’s presidential and parliamentary elections have been marred by accusations of fraud, intimidation and irregularities. Regional observers question the compliance of the ballot with democratic criteria. These events raise concerns about democracy in this country and underscore the importance of maintaining transparent and fair electoral processes to ensure the legitimacy of governments