The article discusses Zimbabwe’s turbulent political history following Robert Mugabe’s removal in 2017, the hopes for change with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, and the complexities surrounding its potential return to the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General’s optimistic evaluation contrasted sharply with critical reports from election observers regarding the country’s democratic progress and readiness for membership.
In November 2017, Robert Mugabe, a significant figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation history, was ousted by a military coup, leading to the rise of Emmerson Mnangagwa as president. His ascension was met with hope for change amidst the persistent corruption and violence of the past under Mugabe. The ZANU-PF party remained in power, although many citizens expressed optimism about potential reform, particularly with calls for rejoining the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Dame Patricia Scotland signaled readiness to facilitate Zimbabwe’s return, contingent upon the country demonstrating adherence to the Commonwealth Charter and its principles. Subsequent events, particularly the contentious 2018 elections, raised concerns about the state of democracy in Zimbabwe. Reports indicated escalating political violence, leading to a more cautious outlook regarding membership restoration.
In 2022, the Commonwealth Secretariat began assessing Zimbabwe’s qualifications for reacquisition of membership. While the Secretariat reported progress, the external reaction to the 2023 elections would be pivotal. Criticism emerged from the European Union, the United States, and the South African Development Community, noting significant shortcomings in electoral integrity.
Amid ongoing political tension, a Commonwealth Observer Group was dispatched to the 2023 elections, despite facing obstacles, including the deportation of seasoned analysts. Initial impressions from the group echoed widespread concerns, but the final report remained pending until after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The handling of the report was atypical, as Commonwealth guidelines stipulated timely release to key stakeholders. There were discrepancies between Scotland’s optimistic evaluation of Zimbabwe’s reform efforts and the Commonwealth Observer Group’s more critical assessment. Scotland characterized the political progress as “remarkable” while the COG highlighted significant deficiencies, including a lack of electoral reforms and restrictions on civil liberties.
Scotland’s evaluation suggested that Zimbabwe exhibited a willingness to reform, asserting that there was considerable support within the nation for Commonwealth reinstatement. However, the Commonwealth Observer Group articulated reservations about the legitimacy and transparency of the elections, indicating a profound disconnect between the perspectives of the two entities regarding Zimbabwe’s readiness for Commonwealth membership.
In summary, the current state of Zimbabwe’s political landscape reveals a complex interplay of optimism and skepticism. While there are indications of political will for reform on the part of Zimbabwean leadership, substantial barriers to credible democratic governance remain. The contrasting perceptions from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Observer Group underscore the uncertainty surrounding Zimbabwe’s potential re-admittance to the Commonwealth amidst ongoing challenges in governance, civil liberties, and electoral integrity.
Original Source: www.commonwealthroundtable.co.uk
