THE ECHOES OF EMPTY PROMISES: A FORECAST OF VIOLENCE OVER VOTES
In the shadow of the upcoming elections, a stark narrative unfolds, one devoid of the usual electoral promises that often color the political landscape. The focus, instead, shifts towards an unsettling anticipation of no holds barred violence. This grim forecast stems from the actions of ZANU PF, a political entity marred by a litany of damning adjectives: vile, cancerous, failing, terrorist, tyrannical, authoritarian, and illegitimate, to name a few. The party’s track record of governance—or the lack thereof—paints a bleak picture of a state teetering on the brink of collapse, a scenario attributed to ZANU PF’s relentless grip on power.
The disillusionment with ZANU PF is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the 2018 elections, a period marked by the unveiling of electoral promises that would never materialize. These promises, revealed to be nothing more than a facade, underscored a severe absence of political will, highlighting the dire need for genuine and lasting political and constitutional reforms. Yet, the prospect of such reforms remains a distant dream, overshadowed by ZANU PF’s insatiable quest for power and control.
In a desperate attempt to cling to power, ZANU PF is poised to abandon the pretense of electoral promises, choosing instead to wield violence as its primary tool. This strategy not only reflects the party’s inherent nature but also aligns with the prevailing state of governance—a state characterized by a rule of law that has been manipulated to serve the interests of the ruling party. The judiciary, compromised and partisan, acts as a facilitator in this process, further entrenching ZANU PF’s aspirations for a one-party state devoid of transparency, accountability, and responsibility.
The reliance on state-sponsored and sanctioned violence is a testament to ZANU PF’s failure to address the fundamental needs of the people it governs. The stark contrast between the party’s oppressive tactics and the basic necessities of healthcare, education, electricity, and jobs is a glaring reminder of its failure to govern effectively. After usurping an additional five years of rule under the guise of governance, ZANU PF has shown itself to be unworthy of the trust and faith of the populace.
As the elections approach, the absence of electoral promises from ZANU PF is not an indication of a new political strategy but rather a continuation of a pattern of governance that prioritizes power over the welfare of the people. The anticipated violence is not merely a tactic; it is a reflection of a party that has consistently failed to uplift the nation, choosing instead to plunge it into further despair.
The narrative of the upcoming elections is therefore not one of hope and promise but of anticipated violence and manipulation. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing a nation under the grip of a party that has lost sight of its fundamental duties towards its citizens. As the echoes of empty promises fade, the harsh reality of a governance model built on oppression and control becomes all too clear. The path forward demands a reevaluation of the values that govern political engagement, with an urgent call for genuine reforms that place the welfare of the people above the interests of those in power.