by Admin | March 31st, 2008
The elections in Zimbabwe appear to have given the MDC a huge victory. However, the government has delayed the vote counting for instated reasons. MDC and the government are preparing for a post election showdown in the streets. After the current dust settles, Bob Helvey today suggested that a study/evaluation be carried out to learn from the experience of Zimbabwe activists. In addition, the nonviolence training efforts by various groups should also be analyzed. There certainly has been much heroism. WOZA, MDC, and others have proved indefatigable. The newsletter Sokwanele has proven to be a valuable resource in monitoring nonviolent efforts there. I have also found the occasional newsletters sent by MP David Coltart quite inspiring.
The opposition has basically taken a (non-revolutionary) multi-pronged approach to challenging for power. It has attempted to use nonviolent action in conjunction with the courts and elections to grab for power. The decision to contest for power in the corrupt court systems and elections reflected the long term hope that these institutions would serve as a pillars of a future democratic Zimbabwe. Additional campaign components involving diplomatic, foreign grassroots, and media pressure….provided a mulitiplicity of pressure points upon the Zanu PF regime.
Assuming MDC will triumph, one of the evaluation questions will be, what could they have done to seize power more quickly. Burma and other democracy movements are eager to learn…..