Question

popular governments can be undemocratic and popular leaders can be autocratic. explain the statement by citing example of zimbabwe ?

Answer 1

Popular governments can be undemocratic and popular leaders can be autocratic. This statement is certainly true regarding Zimbabwe. Some facts are explained here highlighting Zimbabwe's example.

1) Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980. Since then the country has been ruled by Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU - PF), the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader Robert Mugabe, has been ruling the country since its independence.

2) Although elections have been held regularly and has always been won by the ZANU - PF. President Robert Mugabe is a popular leader but he also uses unfair practices in elections.

3) Over the years he has changed the constitution several times and he has designed the constitution in such a way which give him more powers. These powers have made him less accountable.

4) Opposition party workers have no freedom at all to hold public meetings, demonstrations etc. They have been harassed and tortured.

5) Public protests and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal. There is a law in Zimbabwe that limits the rights to criticise the President.

6) Television and radio are fully controlled by the ruling Robert Mugabe government and give only the ruling party verdict.

7) There are independent journalists in the country but the government harasses those journalists who give news against the ruling government.

8) The Robert Mugabe led government has ignored some court judgments that were not in favor of the government and has pressurized the Judges.