Government promises a free and fair vote and the military says it won’t stray from the barracks
Zimbabwe articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is not a functioning democracy thanks in large part to colonialism and decades of misrule by dictator Robert Mugabe. According to Freedom House, "voting is marred by flawed voter registration and balloting, biased media and bribed and threatened voters". Also check out our section on World Democracy and our Africa archives.
Reviewing the Players Set to Influence Zimbabwe’s elections
The first round of the presidential election will be held on 30 July. If there is no presidential candidate that is able attain 50 percent plus one vote, the second round is planned for September 8.
Expert Discusses Promise of Zimbabwe’s Upcoming Elections
Zimbabweans head to the polls for the first elections since Robert Mugabe was removed from office after 37 years
Zimbabwe Risks Another Sham Poll Without Electoral Reform
At least 15 percent of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s leadership is serving or former military officials
Zimbabwe’s Opposition Marches in Capital, Seeking Fair Vote
Thousands of opposition supporters marched in Zimbabwe’s capital on Tuesday to demand electoral reforms
Banned by Mugabe, Play About Zimbabwe Massacres Finally Staged
Play is about a 1980s government crackdown in which rights groups say 20,000 civilians were killed
A Review of the Five-Year-Old Zimbabwe Constitution
Can adopting a new constitution lead to better democracy? Three such scholars, Todd A. Eisenstadt, A Carl LeVan and Tofigh Maboudi, recently explored this question in their global study of 138 constitutions from a 37 year period.
Towards a New British-Zimbabwe Diplomatic Relationship
After almost two decades of stalemate, evident change has come to Zimbabwe. British Prime Minister Theresa May now has found a credible ally, in new Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to work to rebuild trust with former its colonial master.
The Challenges Facing Female Participation in Zimbabwe’s Elections
With the general elections a few months away one hopes more women participate and win seats in parliament. Zimbabwe still has a long way to go to achieve 50/50 representation parity in parliament.
Zimbabwe Independence Day: An occasion for contemplation and insight
As Zimbabwe celebrates its Independence Day this Wednesday, the annual holiday will come with an added layer of meaning. This marks 38 years since the achievement of hard-fought nationhood.