Repression of political rights in Zimbabwe: Growing concerns as elections approach
A new report released by Human Rights Watch raises serious concerns about Zimbabwe’s pre-election climate and the repression of citizens’ political rights. As general elections scheduled for August 23 approach, the main opposition party, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), is struggling to campaign against outgoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The report, titled “Crushing Them Like Lice”, refers to a statement by Zimbabwe’s vice president denigrating the opposition during a speech last year. Idriss Ali Nassah, the author of the report, highlights the serious attacks on civil and political rights, including political freedom, freedom of association and freedom of expression. Authorities use the criminal justice system as a weapon against the opposition, arbitrarily arresting and detaining political opponents or unjustly prosecuting them on various grounds.
In addition, the opposition is severely prevented from mobilizing its supporters and organizing meetings and rallies across the country, which raises doubts about the holding of free and credible elections. These human rights violations are concerning and call into question the necessary conditions for democratic elections in Zimbabwe.
This situation comes on top of the attacks on freedoms already noted during previous elections, and concerns intensified with the adoption of a so-called “patriotic” law last July, which prohibits any criticism of the country. In addition, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights expresses its concern about the attacks, online and offline, of which women are victims during this electoral campaign.
It is essential that the international community closely monitors the situation in Zimbabwe and puts pressure on the government to respect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure truly democratic elections. Violations of political rights and acts of repression cannot be tolerated, and it is essential to defend the voice of the opposition and allow genuine democratic expression in Zimbabwe.
Respect for human rights and the integrity of the electoral process are essential to ensure the stability and legitimacy of the government, as well as citizens’ confidence in their political system. Zimbabwe is at a crucial juncture in its history, and it is imperative that elections are conducted in a transparent, free and fair manner. Zimbabwean citizens deserve to be able to exercise their democratic rights and choose their leaders freely, without fear of repression or reprisals..
It is therefore essential that the international community continues to put pressure on the Zimbabwean government to end political repression and ensure truly free and fair elections. The defense of human rights and the promotion of democracy must remain at the heart of concerns, in order to support the Zimbabwean people in their quest for freedom and justice.