11/09/2023
Title: "Nepotism and Electoral Fraud: Unraveling Zimbabwe's Political Crisis"
The recent actions of the Zimbabwean President have ignited a maelstrom of controversy and concern among both local and international observers. The appointment of two of his children to key cabinet positions, following a highly disputed election, has raised serious questions about the ethics, transparency, and fairness of his governance.
E D. Mnangagwa, the current President of Zimbabwe, has made the dubious decision to appoint his son as the Deputy Minister of Finance ,2nd one as Deputy Minister of Tourism with another as the Major General of the Presidential Guard. This blatant nepotism has been widely criticized as it threatens the impartiality of these key government positions, and undermines the trust of the Zimbabwean people in their government.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, in particular, plays a major role in managing and deciding the financial status of the country. By appointing his son to this position, Mnangagwa has essentially moved these critical discussions into his personal household, raising doubts about the transparency and fairness of financial decisions affecting the entire country.
This move comes on the heels of an election that was widely disputed, casting further aspersions on Mnangagwa's leadership. The August elections were contested due to allegations of electoral fraud. Never Mumba, the former Vice President of Zimbabwe and head of the election observer mission, declared the elections as "Null and Void." He reported that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) did not adhere to the principles of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) electoral laws, further undermining the legitimacy of Mnangagwa's government.
The people of Zimbabwe are left in an uncertain and precarious situation as the country appears to be on a downward trajectory. The Zimbabwean dollar continues to lose value every day, causing economic instability and increased hardship for its citizens. Amidst this economic turmoil, the unethical actions of President Mnangagwa only serve to exacerbate the crisis.
The appointment of his other child as Major General of the Presidential Guard further compounds concerns about Mnangagwa's governance. This position is critical in ensuring the security of the presidency, and its control by a family member raises alarming questions about the concentration of power and potential misuse of military force.
In the face of such blatant unprofessionalism, the people of Zimbabwe and the international community can only hold on to hope that there will be a return to democratic norms and proper governance. The future of the country hangs in the balance, and it is critical that leaders uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
The recent actions by President Mnangagwa not only undermine the democratic principles that Zimbabwe should adhere to, but also betray the trust of the Zimbabwean people. It's a stark reminder of the dangers of nepotism and the importance of checks and balances in government. The Zimbabwean people and the international community must remain vigilant and continue to advocate for a just and ethical governance in Zimbabwe.
