How to rig an election and stay in power: learning from a master, Zimbabwe’s ‘President’ Mugabe.

In the past, Mugabe managed to rig elections by intimidating voters beforehand.  He used violence, often on the opposition candidates themselves, banned opposition rallies, and made various laws to put a lid on any opposition.  These elections had been seen as far from free and fair.

This time around, thankfully, their was little violence beforehand, and voters cast their ballots several weeks ago.  The result: Mugabe did not win.  So, onto Mugabe, plan B.

First, we must understand that Mugabe and his party, Zanu-Pf, control over everything in the country.  The electoral commission, the judicial system, and of course the police and military.  When you lose an election, then, the first step is to not release the results.

And, since the election Mugabe has tried to do everything he can to stir up old stereotypes, emotions and lies in order to keep power.   He tells Zimbabwe that the opposition is a tool of the West, and that if they win Britain will be back ruling the country.  He tells those in the government that they will be held accountable for all their years of cheating, nepotism, extortion, and illegally profiting from their positions.  Although this would be just, the opposition has done what it can to assure them that this is not the case.  But, because of this fear they feel they have to support Mugabe in every way possible- or else go to jail.

Imagine this.  You have just voted in one of the most important elections in your country’s history.  Your country has an inflation rate of 100,000%, by far the worst in the world, and a stunningly high percentage for a country not at war.  (Not to mention- who would vote to keep in a President when unemployment and inflation is through the roof?!?)  The results were not released two days after the election, like they should have.  Now, several weeks later, you are still waiting.

I have to tip my hats to the Zimbabweans.  Many have voted for change- they want their miserable economy turned around and they want Mugabe out of power.  And now that Mugabe has turned to his bag of tricks, they are patiently waiting.  What Mugabe wants is for the opposition supporters to hit the streets.  Then, he could use force to arrest them, ban the opposition for inciting riots or something like that, and declare martial law.

But they wait, hoping that justice will prevail.  Will the judicial system enforce the law?  Not yet.  How about the Electoral Commission?  They can’t, because Mugabe’s cronies have taken control over the ballot boxes and arrested seven of the members over ‘under counting’ votes for Mugabe and his party.

Will the international community support the people of Zimbabwe?  Leaders from Southern Africa met over the weekend, but nothing substantial came out of that meeting.  In fact, the president of South Africa, Mbeki, who was appointed by the regional group to mediate in Zimbabwe, is and always has been a supporter of Mugabe.  So, predictably, his solution is just to wait.  Maybe people will forget that they even had an election!

What can the people do?  Mugabe’s party has demanded a recount in 22 constituencies.  How can you demand a recount when the results haven’t even been released?!?  And, since the Zanu-Pf has had control of the boxes for weeks, and some of the electoral commissioners have been jailed, can anyone  doubt how the recount will go?

We must pray for Zimbabwe and the people of that country now more than ever.  It does not look like this crisis will be resolved quickly.  And when the election is finally worked out, things wont change overnight.  It will be along process for the country to get back on its feet again.