Zimbabwe Slides Back Into 2008 Violent Era: ZESN

Prior to the  holding of the discredited Presidential run-off election in June 2008,Zanu-PF disrupted political rallies organised by mainstream Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), beat up people perceived to be MDC supporters and created some no go areas in the country for any other political party other than Zanu-PF.

Zanu-PF also used state security agents to clamp down on opposition members.

This is exactly what has emerged in the country over the past week where the police once again barred MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s rallies in Matebeleland North.

Last Sunday, Tsvangirai was also forced to abandon his star rally set for Chitungwiza’s Chibuku stadium after violent Zanu-PF youths bulldozed the stadium, destroyed two MDC-T party vehicles, some party equipment and injured seven people.

In an exclusive interview with Radio VOP Monday in Harare, Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) National Director Rindai Chipfunde Vava  said another bloody election is looming adding that some political parties are wielding knives and spears.

“Early warning signs we are observing at the moment are that there are certain political parties which are wield their knives and spears they are instead sharpening them. They are preparing themselves for yet another battle when election time comes.

“As ZESN we are saying and have been always saying those perpetrating violence should stop for the sake of peace and reconciliation. Violence should stop for the sake of national development. If violence persists we are not going to have a peaceful election. It does not help anyone to have a violent election which will get us back again to where the country has been,” she said.

 “In terms of democratic reforms, Zimbabwe is moving like tortoise .We have gone nowhere, I do not know, maybe it’s because some people are afraid that too much democratisation of the political space gets them out of power or makes them loose political grip,” lamented Chipfunde Vava.