Democracy Fading In Zimbabwe

For years now, strongman Robert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe with an iron hand. But earlier this year, it looked like Democracy might actually come to the troubled African country. Mugabe actually decided to hold elections and allow his opponents to participate.

I'm sure that Mugabe thought he was either popular enough or feared enough that people wouldn't dare to vote against him. He was wrong. The candidate of the opposition Movement For A Democratic Change (MDC) actually outpolled Mugabe in the election. But the MDC candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, did not receive a clear majority, so a runoff is to be held soon.

Most Western governments believe Tsvangirai would win a fairly held runoff, but it is looking less and less like that will be allowed by Mugabe. Mugabe (pictured above) is currently using a combination of slander and intimidation and legal shenanigans to try and hold on to his power.

He is accusing the MDC of being "lackeys" controlled by foreign governments, who would return Zimbabwe to colonial rule. He has boldly declared that there is no way he will allow the MDC to rule the country, and has threatened to go to war to prevent it.

He has also arrested Tsvangirai at least 5 times since the election, with the last time being last week. Other MDC officials have also been arrested repeatedly. Tendai Biti, deputy leader of the MDC, is currently waiting to see if treason charges will be upheld. Mugabe had him charged with treason because he declared victory for the MDC in the last election before all votes were counted.

Mugabe is also using the army and civilian thugs to intimidate the populace. Even with Western poll watchers, it is highly doubtful that a fair election can be held now in Zimbabwe. And if it somehow did happen and MDC wins, it is even more doubtful that Mugabe will step down peacefully. He clearly will do anything to hold on to his dictatorial power.

It now looks like Zimbabwe may be just one election away from a civil war.