Zimbabwe Elections 2023: The Key Issues and What to Watch For

Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold its general elections on August 22, 2023. The elections will be held to elect a new president, as well as members of parliament and local councils.

The incumbent president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is seeking re-election. He is facing a challenge from several opposition candidates, including Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

The main issues in the 2023 Zimbabwean elections are:

• The economy: Zimbabwe’s economy has been in decline for many years. The country is facing high unemployment, inflation, and poverty. The candidates are all promising to improve the economy, but it remains to be seen who will be able to deliver on their promises.
• Land reform: Land reform is a sensitive issue in Zimbabwe. The country’s land redistribution program has been criticized for displacing white farmers and leading to a decline in agricultural production. The candidates are all offering different plans for land reform, but it is unclear what impact these plans will have.
• Corruption: Corruption is a major problem in Zimbabwe. The government is accused of corruption in many areas, including procurement, awarding of contracts, and the management of state resources. The candidates are all promising to fight corruption, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to make a difference.

In addition to these key issues, the 2023 Zimbabwean elections will also be closely watched for signs of progress on democracy and human rights. The country has a long history of authoritarian rule, and there are concerns that the elections could be rigged or that the results could be disputed.

The 2023 Zimbabwean elections are a critical opportunity for the country to move forward. The people of Zimbabwe deserve a government that is accountable to them and that will work to improve their lives. The outcome of the elections will be closely watched by the international community, and it is hoped that the elections will be free and fair.

In the run-up to the elections, there are a number of things to watch for:

• The level of violence: There have been concerns about the potential for violence in the run-up to the elections. The government has been accused of using intimidation and violence to suppress dissent, and there are fears that this could escalate in the lead-up to the elections.
• The role of the media: The media will play a vital role in the elections. They will need to be able to report on the campaign without fear of reprisals, and they will need to be able to hold the candidates accountable for their promises.
• The participation of women and youth: Women and youth make up a large proportion of the Zimbabwean population, and their participation in the elections is essential. The candidates will need to make specific appeals to these groups, and they will need to ensure that their voices are heard.

The 2023 Zimbabwean elections are a crucial moment for the country. The people of Zimbabwe have a chance to elect a new government that will address the challenges facing the country and improve their lives. The international community is watching closely, and it is hoped that the elections will be free and fair.

Keneth Ononga