Elections Zimbabwe-style.

Most of the good people here in the Southwest USA have no name recognition of the dishonorable Robert Mugabe. Nor could they care less.

 

His story needs to be told, however, lest we forget those early days of African Independence when every national leader was earnestly attempting to cast off the yoke of colonial rule and establish a pure, efficient, just and non-corrupt nation.

 

Most of these leaders are gone, but their legacy has pretty much been retained intact. The ideals of African independence are as intangible as King Solomon's mines. That Mugabe has lasted so long is not only a function of good luck; it is a result of political ruthlessness and a complete and total absence of a moral conscience.

 

The African conception of democracy also helped Mugabe rise to power. Boiled down to a notion that the majority rules, Mugabe whose mother was a Shona immediately attracted that 70% of the population when it came to voting. It is well established that Africans vote primarily along ethnic lines.

 

The speed at which the majority of the independence generation of African leaders became corrupt is mind boggling. During the first few years of self-rule, ideals were flying out the window like confetti at a hero's parade in New York city. Abuse of office is now taken for granted and it will surely take generations for Africa to mature enough to allow ethnic minorities and the public at large an audible voice.

 

There is no doubt that Mugabe is a scoundrel and, following the leopard not changing its spots analogy, he will retain the office of President. There has already been significant claims of vote rigging by his opponent Morgan Tsvangirai who is Zimbabwe's Prime Minister and perhaps more importantly, possesses a Shona heritage.  Given Mugabe's past, his promise to step down, presumably from politics if Tsvangirai wins, can only be considered bravado.

 

While there are reports insisting that the Zimbabwe public and its leaders expect a peaceful election, there is no doubt that post election demonstrations will be held and could turn violent. Mugabe holds the reins of power and a massive configuration of patronage among virtually all publicorganizations including the police and the military. He dictates who will be rewarded and who will be punished.

 

Fear of his wrath has long been institutionalized to the point where loyalty among his followers is absolute. Much attention has been given to his age, but at 89  Mugabe gives every indication that he is as powerful and potent as he was 10 or 20 years ago.

 

Yet, the post-Mugabe era is in sight. He cannot go on forever regardless of what he himself believes. When the transition comes, it will be long, difficult and fraught with regional and ethnic enmities.