POST-MUGABE ERA
Early free and fair elections in Zimbabwe impossible
Anyone astounded by the euphoria ignited by the resignation of 93-year-old former president Robert Mugabe should consider the experience of Mathanda Mbo-Dube. He was enjoying drinks with friends in a sports bar in Matobo, in southwestern Zimbabwe, when Mugabe, then 88, appeared on television. Mbo-Dube wryly remarked: "Mugabe is too old and must retire." He was overheard by police officers in the bar, then arrested and jailed for "undermining and insulting the president". Dozens of Zimbabweans — from villagers to activists and opposition politicians — are currently facing charges for the codified crime of "insulting and undermining" the president. Such had become the omnipresence of Mugabe’s cruelty that Zimbabweans are likely to remain transfixed in their euphoria about his resignation at the expense of debating what the country needs to do to secure a better future. The world ought to deal with Zimbabwe’s future now, especially key development partners like Britain and the EU, whic...
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