Conclusion from the Case of Zimbabwe


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Conclusion from the Case of Zimbabwe

Conclusion from the Case of Zimbabwe: The state should respect the basic rights of citizens, like freedom of expression, freedom to protest and freedom to take political action. Further, these rights should be protected by the judiciary whose orders should be obeyed by all. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won an election. It has to respect some basic rules. It has to respect some guarantees to the minorities. Every major decision should be taken after a series of consultations. Elected persons should be responsible to the people as well as to other independent officials. Thus, another feature of democracy is that a democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizen’s rights.

Since the defeat of the constitutional referendum in 2000, politics in Zimbabwe has been marked by a move from the norms of democratic governance, such as democratic elections, the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, freedom from racial discrimination, the existence of independent media, civil society and academia.[citation needed] Recent years have seen widespread violations of human rights.

Elections have been marked by political violence and intimidation, along with the politicisation of the judiciary, military, police force and public services. The President and government politicians have referred to a state of war, or Chimurenga, against the opposition political parties, in particular the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai (MDC-T). Newspapers not aligned with the government have been closed down and members of the judiciary have been threatened and/or arrested. Repressive laws aimed at preventing freedoms of speech, assembly and association have been implemented and subjectively enforced. Members of the opposition are routinely arrested and harassed, with some subjected to torture or sentenced to jail. The legal system has come under increasing threat. The MDC has repeatedly attempted to use the legal system to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF, but the rulings, often in favour of the MDC, have not been taken into account by the police.

 
 
 


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