Opposition stronghold in Zimbabwe under police brutality
By Daily Tab24. Updated: Aug 26, 2023. 6:42 pm.
Zimbabwean election is being collated, after its delayed voting and unconventional manner aimed to disfranchise the opposition. There seems to be a renewed push to control the people should they attempt to protest or go against the underperforming country’s electoral umpire. The people are living in fear of post-election violence, sometimes, triggered by the unprofessional disposition of the police force that sometimes play partisan role in the election.
Before the election, a flyer circulated mostly in the opposition stronghold, carrying fake information that the candidate of The Citizen Coalition for Change has withdrawn from the presidential election. The flyers almost caused a massive withdrawal from the election by the supporters of the opposition candidate but timely information that circulated among the party faithfuls to others that counter the unconventional political tactics prevailed.
Zimbabwean election has a history of violence, with opposition facing the ruling party’s controlled police and other forces that tend to do the bidding of the President. Residents have often complained of Police undermining their role to serve the interest of politicians. Police brutality is not new to opposition party members in the country, and this election is the same story like the previous, brute and rising tension.
Mnangagwa and Chamisa have previously walked this path and it ended in deaths, something the police could had avoided if there was commitment to standard policing. Apprehension is on the rise once more – the push to enthrone a new government in the country gathering momentum, but often, the people live in fantasy. They can only dream about a change of government, but the kingmakers have different plan – to retain the status quo.
Chamisa’s party has claimed victory even before the announcement of the certified result, a move the ruling party believes would ignite the public against the government. Desperation drives the opposition, they believe they always win but the government changes the result. There is lack of confidence in the country’s electoral umpire to conduct a free and fair election. The people of Zimbabwe believe the ruling government makes the call, and they won’t allow a change of government.
“When people claim victory because they voted in a particular place, without waiting to confirm how votes were cast elsewhere, in the strongholds of the ruling party, it can be dangerous for our country. I am not happy with the ruling government because everything is declining, but I can’t imagine our forces killing people because of fake news or mere assumptions. When you say you won the election, if certified results come out, people will say fake and take to the streets” Tanya who cast a vote for The Citizens Coalition for Change said.
There is tension in what may seem to be a proactive measure to curtail protest or any form of uprising in the country, with the police and riot police storming the opposition strongholds. Business centers and beer palours were closed down while those that opened are conscious of the situation on ground.
“If they see where three or four people are gathering, they swing into action and arrest everybody” Joseph said, while declaring he has ordered his families to stay indoor until official result is announced.
