There is real democracy in Zimbabwe

I was shocked and could not believe it, when I watched a video where a Sahara TV presenter Adeola Fayehun harassed President Mugabe; who is the AU chairman claiming that there is no democracy in Zimbabwe.

What surprises me most is that this journalist, or possibly an activist has never been in Zimbabwe before, so where exactly was she basing her argument on? Adeola should mind her own business and practice objective journalism. This journalist should revisit the Oxford dictionary and get the accurate meaning of democracy. In fact, journalists interviewing foreign Heads of States and Governmental officials should have the art or practice of conducting international relations. It is also necessary for journalists to adhere to their ethics.

In short, Zimbabwe is the home of democracy. Democracy, as we know involves the political participation of the people in decision making. It is of paramount importance to note this week the nation will be conducting by-elections where all registered political parties with the exception of MDC-T will be contesting for Parliamentary seats which fell vacant after 16 Parliamentarians from MDC-T party joined the Renewal team led by former MDC-T secretary general, Tendai Biti. Holding elections as a nation is a big symbol of a democratic country.

It is indeed pleasing that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) will be offering airtime to all eleven (11) political parties which are participating in the June 10 by-elections. Surely, that is pure democracy! I doubt if there is any democracy that dominate this. Zimbabwe has always been and will forever be a democratic nation.

The acting ZBC General Manager for News and Current Affairs, Mr Cris Chivhinge highlighted that, for any political party campaigning through the national broadcaster there will be discounted commercial rates for airtime which apply in terms of the electoral regulations.

Despite his decision to boycott elections which is against the wishes of most of his followers, the former premier Morgan Tsvangirai is also given airtime on the public television to air his views. However, it is disheartening that Tsvangirai fails to observe and appreciate this, as he accuses the national broadcasting television and the public for little or no coverage.

The media has three major roles to play, which are to educate, to entertain and to inform.  The public media has its policy which is I understand is different from the independent media. At times when political parties fail to get coverage from the public media, it means that their political activities will be lacking significance essential for public interest, especially issues on nation building.

Most opposition political parties have the blessing of privately owned newspapers which also offers them most of their coverage as an additional to the one they get from the public media. Actually, there are several independent newspapers in Zimbabwe which gives other political parties space to disseminate their campaigning messages.

Journalists like Fayehun, who claims that there is no democracy in Zimbabwe, should be reminded that this country has come a long way. It is through the prevailing democracy that there is also peace and tranquility in this country.

Most African countries, inclusive of Nigeria are currently at war, and this could be because of lack of democracy. Many innocent people are being killed day and night while many young girls are being forced into pre-marital pregnancies by a Nigeria's militant Islamist group, Boko Haram.  However, this is a different case in Zimbabwe where individuals are free to choose either a political party or church. This is freedom that is enjoyed in Zimbabwe that Fayehun and cronies should be aware of.

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Peacemaker Zano <peacemakerzano@gmail.com