Expect a winter of discontent - Zanu-PF can never accept defeat at the ballot box

Will the world only come to our rescue when people begin to die on the streets of Harare as in North Africa?

A question that remains on my mind is whether at all we will achieve an environment of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe and if so when that will happen. As we hear that some despicable and wicked characters are lining themselves up to succeed Mugabe, it sends shivers down my spine that how can we ever allow that to happen?

I have recently had fiery conversations with a friend of mine who is pro Zanu-PF and I must admit that he told me some home truths that this animal will never accept defeat no matter what and that we better brace ourselves for a big fight.  That they will connive, plot, maim and if necessary kill before they accept any defeat at the ballot box. That they stand to lose everything and will therefore do whatever it takes to remain in power. Given their history, I am bound to concur.

It is with that in mind that I for see a long winter of discontent and unmet expectations for the progressive people of Zimbabwe.

These are the facts. Defeat would mean the crimes they have been committed will be exposed. The raping of Zimbabwe's resources, the violence against the innocent, Gukurahundi, Murambatsvina, the monetary and fiscal crimes by Reserve bank, the plundering of farms and companies and the amassing of ill gotten material wealth, the incarceration of rivals and the unresolved historical disappearance of assets and people will have to be accounted for in a free Zimbabwe. Anyone facing these challenges would surely do whatever they can to avoid it. This therefore means that as long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state their purpose is served and justice denied

I have said that in the past that these negotiations that never end remain a delaying tactic to make us believe that change is coming while the army, the intelligence and the police continue to dig in and consolidate their control of the country.

The MDC and other opposition and progressive forces are powerless as demonstrated recently where the chief of police is comfortable to announce that the police will not support any change and opposition party members continue to be rounded up, arrested and tortured.

My dilemma here is why can't the world see this and implement alternative regime change strategies? Will the world only come to our rescue when people begin to die on the streets of Harare as in North Africa?

These are my predictions:
Zanu-PF will only participate in elections that they win. If they lose they will not accept the results. Zanu-PF will not give up military and police control. Zimbabwe is likely to become a military state in the future where the army has total control (as they are now). Democracy will only emerge after a protracted civil war and/or mass unrest.

Sad as it may sound but let these truths force themselves into rational minds.

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Vince Musewe is an independent economist and you may contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com