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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Zimbabwe: A Pre-election Overview and Recovery Scenarios 2005

Author: Dianna Games
Organisation: South African Institute of International Affairs
Publish Date: 2010
Country: Zimbabwe
Sector: Democracy & Governance, Legal & Civic Rights
Method: Scenarios
Theme: Living Standards
Type: Journal
Language: English
Tags: politics

Debate around the recovery of the Zimbabwe Economic, and the country as a whole, has tended to focus on the removal of President Robert Mugabe and a possible regime ast year or so. Indeed, it is quite possible that, in a normalised environment, e to capitalise sufficiently on the disgruntlement in the population and its reactive rather than proactive approach to issues. While the notion of a reformed Zanu-PF is unpalatable to many, it must be regarded as a strong possibility. It is also simplistic to assume that there are no reformist elements in Zanu- PF. The stranglehold on the party’s general direction and behaviour by Mugabe and his old guard has served to mask a desire for change by many new Turks in Zanu-PF, particularly in the business sector. The Economic has undergone some radical changes in the past few years, as people and companies have found new ways to survive. The scale of the changes in the Economic may not be that easy to reverse and will require a fairly thorough restructuring of the formal Economic and a change in popular expectations. The increase in corruption, patronage for an expanded elite, a brain drain, the informalisation of the Economic, skills shortages and land hunger are among the major changes experienced in the past few years. A desire for change on the part of the broad mass of the people will need to accompany political and economic transformation. The recovery Scenarios needs to focus less on personalities and more on a return to normality across the board, the opening of political space – which may or may not generate regime change – and on putting in place political safeguards that will provide checks and balances for any future government. Steps for political and economic recovery include the following. Political Change The election of a freely elected, democratic government committed to respecting basic human, social and economic rights and with the ability to formulate and execute coherent economic policies, will mark the clear break with the past that is needed to change perceptions and expectations. Having a government that restores the rule of law, clearly understands the requirements of managing a modern Economic, takes bold steps to map out and implement a path to recovery and to establish positive relations with the regional and international communities, will boost confidence. change. Although Mugabe’s exit is a necessary condition for reform of the political and economic structures of the country, it is not sufficient. Neither is the changing of power from Zanu-PF to the opposition MDC, as many have suggested. These solutions do not take into account the political nuances in the country and the changes on the ground over the MDC, which is viewed primarily as a protest party, might lose a free and fair election.
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