Would Zimbabwe really be better off without Mugabe?
In their fourth day of waiting for election results, frustrated voters are imagining what their lives might be like after 28 years of dictatorial rule.
Although the word on the street is that Mugabe is about to hand over his Mercedes to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, this is far from certain. Some say that the most likely outcome of the elections is a run-off in a few days' time, buying Mugabe's ZANU party some much-needed time. There are also worries about a deal being done behind closed doors- which would mean both parties are manipulating the electoral process. Nevertheless, our Observers are already imagining a life without the iron-fisted dictator.
"There’s a lot more to do than just remove Mugabe"
Bev Clark runs Kubatana.net: an "online community of activists". She's from Harare.
It would be excellent if we had a national people's convention. We absolutely need a new constitution. I hope we could get engaged in major planning, that we could realise our status in the global village, that the rights of minorities- lesbians, gays and also women's rights - would be addressed. We've lived in such fearful times- just to use our own names when we send a letter to a newspaper... There are also smaller things; I'd love to get rid of the iconology of the president. Tsvangirai's portrait shouldn't be hung up in every office, school and hospital. There's also a road that runs along the state house, that's been closed for years because he's so edgy and fearful. We'd love to see that reopened."
"I will definitely consider going back home to Zimbabwe"
Sandra Nyaira is a Zimbabwean who decided to stay in London after completing her studies there because of the strict regime in Zimbabwe.
It will take years to really implement though. After a few months people will be frustrated that things haven't changed as much as they wanted them to. But things like freedom of speech will be immediate. Also, the MDC has promised to float the Zimbabwean currency as soon as they come into office, and that will make a difference even in the first few days. Prices have been so high. I will definitely consider, like many people living abroad like me, going back home. But we want to hear what the government has to say first, you need to be sure of a job and sure that you'll be able to play a role in rebuilding your country."
"I'll be able to practice without so many security laws"
Hope Chin'ono is a Zimbabwean who works as a journalist for South African TV in Harare.
Comments
Open Your Eyes
Submitted by Linda White (not verified) on Thu, 03/04/2008 - 13:02.Don't you get it? This is exactly what the western leaders have worked so hard against Mugabe,your nation and all nations to do.Make you believe they are your friend,acting like the hero once again.When in fact the villain,the perpetrator himself can never hold such an honor.Are we as the world willing to be blinded forever by the wicked unending deed doings of the western states?I know from havig a constant eye on this American nation of my own, that the evil and the will to control "all" is there.And unless we DISCONNECT with their leadership of this kind they will never stop.What is it that stops a theif or rapist?Not himself.As goes for a control freak. We in America complain,complain,about news media inadequate coverage of the truth,their lies!Turn your cable off.In other words:,DISCONNECT!See how fast they try to come to an agreement. They will not like the money loss.
It's probably not true to
Submitted by Richard Pilgrim (not verified) on Thu, 03/04/2008 - 10:58.It's probably not true to say that there have been 28 years of dictatorial rule in Zimbabwe. It all started quite well and we all rejoiced when Mugabe was first elected and he kicked out that awful Iain Smith. There was fresh hope for the country back then - a first chance for the Zimbabwean people to rule themselves.
Unfortunately, what happened after then was that (as ever), power corrupts and of course, absolute power corrupts absolutely....
Catch a awake-up and smell the coffee
Submitted by Anonyme (not verified) on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 12:25.Awful Ian Smith you say (please note how one spells Ian). Did you know him? Really? Kicked out Ian Smith, pleasa? Morgarbage can't even kick a dent into a paper bag. There was fresh hope for the country, you are right, they were in the fortunate position to ride out the waves created by Smith and his gov. A prosperous country with a currency that traded on a par with the Britsh Pound! But slowly the waves subsided (I'm surprized it lasted that long). And your lame excuse, power corrupts, what a joke. Do you think that Ian Smith had no power. Was the country destructed to the ground as it is today? Try again.
ian smith vs mugabe
Submitted by Anonyme (not verified) on Sun, 20/04/2008 - 16:33.what a contest that would be.
it is saying something in realistically trying to compare the racist ian vs the tyrant robert hitler gabriel mugabe.
what a lucky country and people zimbo,s have been, to have such nasties rule over them. mugabe now deserves to burn in hell, just for the pain and suffering he has brought on zimbabweans. as for ian what can one say, the two of them should have been locked in a room, and the keys thrown away.
they then would have been forced to eat each other, since now mugabe has earned the accolade of being as bad as ian racist disgusting smith.
who is worse, mugabe or ian. lets just give them a draw, since there is no point in trying to judge evil people