ZANU PF’S HOLD ON POWER HURT BY DIASPORA VOTES AND REMITTANCES
It doesn’t matter where you are, be it Ottawa, Sel, Mombasa, or Sydney, ZANU PF’s violation of your constitutional rights will haunt you. Your right to vote is violated because you are in the diaspora. ZANU PF can’t handle a diaspora vote, which is pro-opposition. The diaspora is politically informed, unlike the usual local political apathy. Shamefully, for ZANU PF, remittances from the diaspora are more than welcome. These remittances don’t threaten ZANU PF’s hold on power. They even bolster its stay by providing a source for rent-seeking and patronage. It seems like ZANU PF forces its citizens into the diaspora to generate foreign currency that it cannot generate at home.
If the diaspora vote had counted in the last election, added to the two million votes by the vibrant and popular leader, Nelson Chamisa, ZANU PF would have lost power. This would have brought rule of law, equality, transparency, and accountability. Corrupt politicians would have been jailed and lost their illegal gains. ZANU PF wanted to avoid this at all costs.
To protect itself from the opposition, supported by both local and diaspora votes, ZANU PF used technicalities like security and funding to exclude the diaspora vote. This was despite international funders showing interest in funding the diaspora vote. The exclusion of the diaspora showed ZANU PF’s insecurities and fears.
Remittances expose ZANU PF’s hypocrisy, incompetence, and failure. This is the same ZANU PF that wants control of all elective offices lost in the 2023 elections. Remittances highlight a dysfunctional economy. Immigrants from Zimbabwe leave out of desperation. They often face exploitation in countries like South Africa, where they lack proper documentation. In more stable countries like Sweden, they face high living standards. Remittances sent home show a dependent native population. These people rely on remittances from abroad, earned by those frustrated by ZANU PF’s politics.
The politically frustrated diaspora is informed about issues like civilian engagement and governance. They understand the importance of accountability and transparency. ZANU PF fears this informed diaspora. Despite needing remittances, ZANU PF blocks the diaspora vote to ensure its survival.
Remittances benefit ZANU PF in a political economy with runaway inflation and a high cost of living. ZANU PF pacifies the population receiving remittances in stable currencies like Rands, US dollars, pounds, and Euros. This pacified population is kept in check by the threat of the brutal state apparatus. ZANU PF can then continue plundering the country’s resources.
ZANU PF controls many sectors, including public transport (Zupco) and the fuel industry. These sectors sell services and products in foreign currency. With helicopter money and collusion between private sector and politically exposed persons, ZANU PF mops up the little foreign currency from remittances. This money is then used to buy illegal gold, which is smuggled for more foreign currency. This funds political financing, ensuring ZANU PF’s survival and a flourishing cartel.
The diaspora, although unaware of the impact their remittances have on ZANU PF’s power, can change this. They can use decentralized finance, like digital money and cryptocurrencies, to bypass ZANU PF’s access to foreign currencies. The diaspora should encourage financial literacy and self-sufficient systems. This would limit the influence of cartels on Zimbabweans. For instance, investing in small grains for subsistence can bypass the Mielie-meal cartel. Investing in green, sustainable electric and solar vehicles can challenge the fuel sector cartel. These strategies would weaken ZANU PF without the diaspora vote.
The article shows that ZANU PF benefits from the diaspora through remittances or the exodus of politically informed people. These people are dangerous to its power hold. The diaspora can play a strategic role in ensuring the fall of ZANU PF and the rise of a government focused on change.
