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. Read the rest of this entry →