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By Scott Morgan
In one sense, the last days of Robert Mugabe as President of Zimbabwe are very similar to the ending of the Nixon Administration in the United States. The feeling that the long national nightmare is coming to a close cannot be lost neither to the people of Zimbabwe nor to History.
But what will be the next step for Zimbabwe after the exit of Mugabe from the Political scene? The first step in this process will begin with the ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front) Congress that takes place in the middle of December. In his rambling remarks during his address to the nation, on the 19th of November, President Mugabe stated that he will chair this congress. It does appear that he does want to have a say in whom his successor will be.
Clearly, the country is in transition as the heroes of the liberation struggle - against first the British then the white minority government - are replaced by younger technocrats. It seems that every government in the world has had that issue as those who are currently in power, or profited from their rule, fear being moved away from their safety net. But the heroes of the liberation struggle are a key constituency that cannot be ignored by anyone seeking to rule Zimbabwe.
Another key question that has to be answered is who will organize elections? Currently that task is in the hands of the Military. But will they allow a transitional government to plan and oversee a poll? With the past concerns of the Mugabe era regarding whether or not elections were held under free and fair conditions, having a transparent election cycle without voter intimidation and vote rigging will be judged favorably by the international community.
An entity that has been quiet during this whole drama is the main opposition party the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change). They must have been surprised at the rapid pace of events, over the last ten days, leading to the sudden downfall of Mugabe. Their taking part in the electoral process adds a veneer of legitimacy to an election process that has been marred by various means to ensure the retention of Robert Mugabe as President.
It has been clear for some time that this event was going to occur within Zimbabwe sooner rather than later.A succession batle within ZANU-PF was looming large over the national landscape. However, the unexpected and definitive action by the Military in this situation did accelerate the timeline for change within Zimbabwe. But with change like this it is only a matter of time before the proverbial knives are unsheathed by those who seek to become President of the country.
Emmerson Mnagagwa will most likely be the next President of Zimbabwe - after the ZANU-PF Congress. It may actually occur earlier than this if the Parliament takes the widely expected move and impeaches President Mugabe. How much credibility will he have among the people after taking over Mugabe is yet to be seen. That being said, the people of Zimbabwe have been desirous of change. Now they are getting their chance.
But what will be the next step for Zimbabwe after the exit of Mugabe from the Political scene? The first step in this process will begin with the ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front) Congress that takes place in the middle of December. In his rambling remarks during his address to the nation, on the 19th of November, President Mugabe stated that he will chair this congress. It does appear that he does want to have a say in whom his successor will be.
Clearly, the country is in transition as the heroes of the liberation struggle - against first the British then the white minority government - are replaced by younger technocrats. It seems that every government in the world has had that issue as those who are currently in power, or profited from their rule, fear being moved away from their safety net. But the heroes of the liberation struggle are a key constituency that cannot be ignored by anyone seeking to rule Zimbabwe.
Another key question that has to be answered is who will organize elections? Currently that task is in the hands of the Military. But will they allow a transitional government to plan and oversee a poll? With the past concerns of the Mugabe era regarding whether or not elections were held under free and fair conditions, having a transparent election cycle without voter intimidation and vote rigging will be judged favorably by the international community.
An entity that has been quiet during this whole drama is the main opposition party the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change). They must have been surprised at the rapid pace of events, over the last ten days, leading to the sudden downfall of Mugabe. Their taking part in the electoral process adds a veneer of legitimacy to an election process that has been marred by various means to ensure the retention of Robert Mugabe as President.
It has been clear for some time that this event was going to occur within Zimbabwe sooner rather than later.A succession batle within ZANU-PF was looming large over the national landscape. However, the unexpected and definitive action by the Military in this situation did accelerate the timeline for change within Zimbabwe. But with change like this it is only a matter of time before the proverbial knives are unsheathed by those who seek to become President of the country.
Emmerson Mnagagwa will most likely be the next President of Zimbabwe - after the ZANU-PF Congress. It may actually occur earlier than this if the Parliament takes the widely expected move and impeaches President Mugabe. How much credibility will he have among the people after taking over Mugabe is yet to be seen. That being said, the people of Zimbabwe have been desirous of change. Now they are getting their chance.
(Image: Protesters in Zimbabwe - News24 via Google Images)
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I'm afraid the Zimbabweans may just be getting more of the same with this Crocodile guy.
ReplyDeleteI worry about the Croc too. And will Africa ever leave Marxism, or whatever ideology they profess, behind them?
ReplyDeleteI hope to see justice being done in Zimbabwe: restitution of land to White farmers and compensation for loss of land for those who cannot or wish not to go back and work the land. Nationals, regardless of skin colour, have equal rights. Racism must no longer be accepted in Africa. Basta!
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