RAY NDLOVU: Countdown to Zimbabwe's do-or-die election
'Although the run-up to the elections has not been characterised by violence and intimidation - a strong feature of previous polls - there are indications of rising tension'
EXTRACT
Robert Besseling, director of Exx-Africa, a business intelligence firm, identifies the elections and the clearance of $10-billion (R130-billion) in debt as the twin challenges to be met before Zimbabwe can attract any meaningful investment.
"Many investors and international partners are maintaining a wait-and-see approach until after the elections ... Once the elections have passed, assuming these are broadly recognised as free and fair, foreign investment will be quick to flow into Zimbabwe," he says.
The cautious approach is understandable. Zimbabwe has a history of disputed polls. A particular blight on the country's recent history is the 2008 presidential poll, when the release of results was delayed by a month and the military led a violent campaign tagged "Operation Mavotera Papi" (Where did you vote?) in the rural areas.
At an upmarket car dealership in Harare's high-end shopping mall, brand new Mercedes-Benz GL models line the showroom floor. The price tag on these vehicles is €130000 (about R2-million). The salesman explains that the euro price tag "is for the simple reason that our cars are imported straight from Germany". His explanation for lacklustre vehicle sales over the past few months is more believable. "Clients are waiting for after the elections," he says. The flat market mirrors the national mood. "Waiting for after the elections" has become a common refrain in Harare's streets, boardrooms and business circles. It reflects the growing uncertainty and anxiety gripping the country ahead of the July 30 poll.A range of key business decisions have deliberately been put on hold until after the elections - yet again an indication of how politics in Zimbabwe often takes a leading role ahead of the economy. Robert Besseling, director of Exx-Africa, a business intelligence firm, identifies the e...
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