State of Emergency
Anyone who thinks that we’re not already living in a State of Emergency needs their head read. The vast majority of Zimbabweans keep stating that their life could hardly be worse, that something Has To Change, or they’ll die. Clear, or what?
One of our greatest tensions has been the pretense that we’re living in a democracy in Zimbabwe. We are not. We live in a country where so-called democratic elections are held but the dictatorship of Mugabe decides who wins. This has been happening for the last several years.
The police force and army are Mugabe’s; the courts are Mugabe’s; the public media is controlled by Mugabe.
We are living in a State of Emergency.
And a state of fear controls Zimbabweans.
Yes we could have enforced curfews, we could have more military and police patrolling the streets. But already people don’t have the money to move around as freely as they once did, and in the wake of the election we’ve seen an increased police presence.
So I’m not too sure how much we should let the fear of a state of emergency interrupt our legitimate right to protest the completely unacceptable delay in the announcement of the presidential election results.
I’ve just sent out the following email to a variety of political and civic leaders, and I’m hoping for a response from them:
News reports say that the MDC’s court case has been postponed until tomorrow when they will deem whether it is urgent enough to be heard.
In the face of the following:
- local, regional and global acknowledgment that the delay in the announcement of the presidential election is unacceptable
- the courts in Zimbabwe have no real authority
- the delay is allowing Zanu PF to re-group
- the delay is causing fear and despondency among Zimbabweans
surely the recently elected opposition MPs and Senators should publicly petition or peacefully protest this situation.
What a bold public and active statement it would be. It would also give the opposition forces in Zimbabwe a chance to visibly and publicly unite – inspiring confidence in Zimbabweans of a coalition in the event of a run off.
If the authorities over react we will have another March 11th for our regional brothers and sisters to condemn outright.
There is certainly more to gain than lose by a move such as this.
Zimbabweans need to see our political leaders stand up in ways other than calling press conferences and filing court applications.