2023 hamornized Election: To the abyss or its redemption for Zimbabwe

By Lloyd Takawira

As the country goes for the crunch harmonized election on the 23rd of August 2023, echoes of election euphoria are reverberating through beer halls, market stores, church gatherings, and most intriguingly, in WhatsApp groups, which have become hunting grounds for politicians.

With emotions boiling, the most important question(s), dear reader, are:

1) What is it for the common man after 2023?

2) What is in store if the status quo remains?

3) What will it entail, if the alternative upstages the status quo?

4) Will it not be another cycle of disputed elections?

5) Will the ghost of August 1, 2018, not strike again?

For the past two decades, Zimbabweans have endured torrid times. The political and economic situation, exacerbated by a cycle of disputed elections, rampant corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and lawfare by the ruling Zanu-PF government, has all led to economic stagnation.

The blame game

The country has faced persistent economic challenges, hyperinflation, food shortages, and widespread poverty. Citizens have lost faith in the government's ability to steer the nation towards progress, leading to mass emigration and brain drain, depriving Zimbabwe of its talented workforce.

However, the ruling Zanu-PF government has always defended itself, arguing that the restrictive measures imposed by the West have been hampering development.

It must be noted, dear reader, that the notion of restrictive measures as an impediment has been hugely contested by many. Some Zimbabweans believe that restrictive measures have nothing to do with Zimbabwe's economic stagnation.

Despite numerous promises, the ruling party seems to be fixated on power retention.

It must be noted that for the past 43 years, Zanu-PF policies have been nothing more than empty words on paper, leading to a lack of direction and a stagnant nation.

The political and economic Merry-Go-Round has spared the ruling elites, with the majority wallowing in abject poverty.

Sensing spirited criticism, the ruling party, this election season abandoned its traditional election strategy of producing manifestos and instead said that, "its works are the manifesto."

The statement impresses that for the past five years, the Zanu-PF government has done exceptionally well, however, to the contrary, there is growing resentment as elections approach. Reality has shown that empty promises, devoid of any substantial implementation or results, have failed to ameliorate the ever-ailing economy.

Economists and political analysts have consistently questioned the government's lack of dedication to translating its rhetoric into tangible outcomes.

Dear reader, as the nation goes to the polls, the common man in Buhera is reminiscing of the failed and missed opportunities on the part of years orchestrated by a seemingly organized thuggocratic government, a situation that has consequently decimated livelihoods.

For the past two decades, millions of Zimbabweans have migrated to other countries in search of greener pastures.

Political scholars and economists have long spoken out against the lack of direction and meaningful progress. Professor Steve Hanke, a renowned political economist, argues that political parties, particularly, Zanu-PF's party promises, serve as mere political stunts, with little concern for actual development or transformation in Zimbabwe. Acclaimed scholar Dr. Ibbo critiques the government's penchant for grandiose promises, suggesting that without proper planning and implementation, these promises are destined to fail.

Dear reader, You are not alone in envisioning 2023 going forward. Many hopes that the country's fortunes, by whatever means, must turn around otherwise, ' Vanhu vachafamba vachitaura vega" in Madzibaba Veshanduko's words

It is everyone's hope that the ghost of August 1, 2018 will not haunt this nation.

Peace-loving are we as Zimbabweans.

Dear reader, as the nation goes to the polls, it is high time the voter demands tangible things from politicians. Vote out incompetence. Vote out career politicians. In fact, "PASI NEMBAVHA" thunders Zanu-PF Council of Elders chairman CDE SEKERAMAYI. Yes, pasi nembavha!

Politicians must move beyond empty rhetoric and prioritize genuine and impactful actions for Zimbabwe's transformation. The nation deserves more than just the illusion of progress.

#2023TakanoVoter

Lloyd Takawira is a freelance journalist and social and economic justice activist (SEJA).