MNANGAGWA’S POWER PLAY: WILL IT HURT ZIMBABWE’S DEMOCRACY?

Zimbabwe is a country where democracy is important, and good governance matters a lot. But recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s actions have raised many questions about how well democracy is working in the country. An independent group called Veritas, which focuses on legal and parliamentary matters, has shared serious concerns about the way Mnangagwa is holding onto power. They are worried about the roles and duties he has taken for himself and his vice-presidents, which show a clear trend of centralizing power.

Mnangagwa came to power after Robert Mugabe’s long rule. But now, it seems like Mnangagwa is making moves that could hurt Zimbabwe’s governance. He has taken on many roles and responsibilities that usually belong to different offices and government branches. This could create a bottleneck where important decisions depend on just one person. When power is in the hands of only one or a few people, it can cause problems in the way the country is run. It can slow down processes and reduce the effectiveness of the government.

This centralization of power is dangerous for Zimbabwe’s democracy. In a healthy democracy, there are checks and balances. These ensure that no one person has too much control. When too much power is in the hands of the president, the risk of misuse of that power increases. There is less accountability, which means fewer chances to challenge or question decisions. This kind of setup can lead to decisions that may not be in the best interest of the people of Zimbabwe.

Another problem with this power grab is that it could slow down the government’s ability to innovate and respond to changes. We live in a fast-changing world, where governments must be quick to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. But if all power is concentrated at the top, decision-making becomes slower. Zimbabwe could be left behind, unable to handle important issues, both at home and in the international arena.

The centralization of power can also cause people to lose trust in the government. When citizens see that one person or a small group is in control of everything, they may feel like they have no say in what happens. This can make them feel left out of the political process, which can lead to frustration. In the worst-case scenario, this frustration could turn into social unrest.

The people of Zimbabwe deserve a government that listens to them and responds to their needs. When power is shared among different branches of government, it is easier to hold leaders accountable. This makes the government more transparent, which helps build trust between the people and their leaders. A government that is balanced is also more likely to make better decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the population.

In the short term, Mnangagwa’s power consolidation might seem like a smart move for controlling the country and making quick decisions. But the long-term effects could be very harmful. Centralizing power could weaken Zimbabwe’s democratic principles, making the government less effective and more prone to corruption. It could also disconnect the people from the government, making them feel like their voices do not matter.

In conclusion, Mnangagwa’s decision to take on more power for himself is worrying. While it might make things easier for him in the short run, the long-term damage to Zimbabwe’s democracy and governance could be huge. It is important for the leaders of Zimbabwe to listen to groups like Veritas and work toward a more balanced government. By doing this, they can protect the country’s democracy and ensure that the government works well for everyone. The future of Zimbabwe depends on leaders who respect democratic principles and who make decisions that benefit the entire nation.