The recent controversial remarks by Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, have reignited concerns about the state of democracy in Zimbabwe, casting a long shadow over the country’s political landscape. In a video that has gone viral, Sanyatwe, while addressing a gathering in Nyanga North constituency, where his wife Chido Sanyatwe is the Member of Parliament, declared his support for the ruling Zanu PF party and ominously alluded to the possibility of “command voting” to ensure their continued dominance.
“Zanu PF will rule until donkeys grow horns through the use of command voting,” Sanyatwe stated in the video, sending a chill down the spines of many Zimbabweans who have witnessed firsthand the consequences of military interference in elections.
The echoes of the 2023 general elections, condemned by regional and international observers for their lack of transparency and fairness, still resonate in the minds of many. The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, the European Union, and numerous other international bodies issued scathing reports highlighting widespread irregularities, intimidation, and manipulation of the electoral process. However, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the ruling Zanu PF party simply disregarded these reports, further fueling concerns about their commitment to democratic principles.
Prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu, known for his outspokenness on matters of justice and human rights, has once again stepped forward to challenge the blatant disregard for democratic norms. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Justice Priscilla Chigumba, the chairperson of ZEC, Mpofu demands a public refutation of Sanyatwe’s claims, arguing that they represent a dangerous escalation of the military’s involvement in politics and undermine the very foundations of a democratic society.
“I am writing to bring to your attention concerning remarks made by General Sanyatwe, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army about elections in Zimbabwe,” Mpofu writes in his letter. “I have in my possession videographic evidence of him uttering words to the following effect: ‘Zanu PF shall rule until donkeys grow horns, whatever your stated and expressed wishes. I am now speaking as the commander of the army. We shall use what is called command voting. Do we understand each other?'”
Mpofu further argues that Sanyatwe’s statement not only oversteps his constitutional mandate but also constitutes a direct threat to the democratic process. “General Sanyatwe’s statement undermines the trust and confidence of the electorate in the electoral process,” Mpofu asserts. “This as you are aware, has been no small issue. A clear and prompt refutation of this assertion will help to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and re-assure the public that the Electoral Commission is committed to upholding the sanctity of the vote.”
The lawyer has given Chigumba a week’s deadline to either publicly refute Sanyatwe’s claims or provide a detailed explanation for her “reticence” on the matter. “If you consider this assertion false, I kindly request that you publicly refute it with a firm assurance that your commission is not on the army’s back and call,” Mpofu writes in his letter. “If you choose reticence, I kindly request that you account for it, the statement considered.”
Mpofu’s letter highlights the potential for the army’s involvement in the elections to cast a long shadow over the entire process. It is a stark reminder of Zimbabwe’s history, where the military has often played a decisive role in shaping the political landscape.
“Your attention is drawn to sections 155(1), 156(c)(1), 233 and 239 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 and to the obligations that have been triggered by this tainted tale,” Mpofu states, emphasizing the legal implications of Sanyatwe’s actions. “The failure to call out this constitutional delinquency most indubitably has consequences.”
The letter concludes with a strong warning: “I would appreciate your attention to this grave matter within 7 days. I have written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission… General Sanyatwe will be accorded his full 7 days, weekends are excluded.” Mpofu further states that failure by the army general to respond will compel him to pursue “appropriate remedies under the law.”
The implications of Sanyatwe’s remarks are far-reaching. They raise serious concerns about the potential for military interference in future elections, a scenario that could undermine the credibility of the entire process and potentially lead to widespread unrest.
