Polarization a key factor in democracy’s ‘alarming’ decline
The latest Freedom in the World report – compiled by more than 100 experts and drawing on data from 209 countries – describes an “ominous” global erosion of democratic values… Read more »
Category: Zimbabwe
African democracy in retreat: autocratic threat growing
African democracy is in for a bumpy 2019, with the continent’s political trajectory moving in the wrong direction, according to analysts Nic Cheeseman and Jeffrey Smith. In Tanzania, President John Magufuli has clamped down on… Read more »
Aiding autocrats: China’s ‘sharp power’ at work
Chinese telecommunications company ZTE has been helping Venezuela’s autocratic government construct an advanced citizen surveillance program, Slate’s Mia Armstrong reports. A Reuters investigation published Wednesday provides a detailed look into the development… Read more »
Zimbabwe: eight steps to full democracy
It is beyond dispute that the massive voter turnout for Zimbabwe’s July 30 presidential election demonstrated that Zimbabweans want a transition away from the divisions, brutality and economic ruin of… Read more »
Africa’s democratization since 1990: continuity in change?
A wave of democratization swept over the African continent in the 1990s. Has it made a difference in the welfare of individuals in sub-Saharan African nations? And why hasn’t the… Read more »
Zimbabweans disillusioned by post-poll crackdown
The jury remains out as to whether Zimbabwe’s recent election had achieved the promised clean break with the past of the Mugabe era, says Freedom House’s Michael Abramowitz. Any… Read more »
Zimbabwe poll ‘charade’ proves ZANU-PF leopard can’t change its spots
Zimbabwe police stormed the headquarters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in the capital Harare on Thursday and detained 16 people after sealing off the building earlier, a… Read more »
Zimbabwe opposition claims election victory: tensions rise amid vote-rigging fears
Zimbabwe’s opposition says its candidate, Nelson Chamisa, has won Monday’s presidential election. The MDC Alliance says the ruling Zanu-PF party is attempting to rig the vote to allow President Emmerson… Read more »
Failure to forge liberal middle way still haunts Zimbabwe
Pity Zimbabwe. For more than 30 years its people have endured deepening poverty, rampant corruption and systematic human rights abuses, notes Michael Holman, a former Africa editor for the FT:… Read more »
Can foreign observers keep Zimbabwe’s election clean?
Foreign observers will play a vital role in trying to ensure a clean election. Missions under the aegis of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community are… Read more »