Democracy & Social Justice

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Growing socio-economic inequality, poverty and the failure to deliver quality public services continue to threaten democratic grains in the region. Growing political instability in parts of the region, coupled with dysfunctional governments and the legacy of white minority rule, have significant implications for the state’s legitimacy and opportunities for popular political mobilization. The Democracy & Social Justice programme seeks to advance and defend the political voice of marginalised groups advocating for civic freedoms, socio-economic rights and the equitable use of state resources to address injustice. The programme supports citizen groups’ engagement with policy and the strengthening of citizen networks working to build responsive and accountable public institutions and to build a just society. The programme foregrounds and works to deepen feminist democratic practices in the realization of civic freedoms and socio-economic justice.

Latest Articles & Publications
A protester holds up a poster that reads “SADC Leaders Listen to the cries of your citizens”. Above her, is a poster that reads “Democracy or Dictatorship? SADC leaders must decide!”

Not all change is good change: Military state vs theocracy in Zimbabwe

Standpoint
Zimbabwe has been far from a safe haven for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Small steps have been made toward progress. However, with homosexuality being an outright punishable offence and one in three women in Zimbabwe being the victim of sexual abuse, while one in four has suffered physical abuse, it has been made abundantly clear to us that Zimbabwe, as it stands, is not safe for us. Now, on the eve of this historic election, it may be the case that the potential “change” we are hoping for may also not include us.
By Anonymous
Citizens’ Perception of the Main Role of Local Government, SIVIO Institute: Citizens’ Perceptions and Expectations 2023 Survey Findings Report

Citizen’s Perceptions and Expectations – The Government We Want

Interview
In May 2023, the SIVIO Institute in Zimbabwe presented the findings of their survey related to Zimbabwean’s level of satisfaction with government performance. The report aims to influence political campaigns by highlighting key issues that Zimbabweans are not happy about and to shape public electoral decisions. We spoke to Tendai Murisa, Director of the SIVIO Institute, to get his insights into the report and what it would take for Zimbabweans to get the government that they want.
By Katrin Seidel and Tendai Murisa
A Zimbabwean election official enters details of a woman who had come to register to vote on the outskirts of Harare

The 2023 elections will test EU’s re-engagement with Zimbabwe

Interview
Hugo Knoppert coordinates the Zimbabwe Europe Network (ZEN), a network of European secular, faith-based and developmental civil society organisations that support projects and partnerships in Zimbabwe. While welcoming the European Union’s attempts to re-engage with the government of Zimbabwe, Knoppert expresses concern that Europe’s short-term geopolitical interests will undercut EU support for human rights and civic freedoms and its censure of state repression in the country.
By Katrin Seidel and Hugo Knoppert
A group of young people conversing on the street for their party of choice, wearing party regalia and holding posters. A Truck packed with supporters holding a Zimbabwean flag follows them in the background

Between rocks and hard places – Zimbabwean youth and the challenges of political participation

Standpoint
The participation of youth in governance spaces is not impressive. That is not to say that they have no desire to participate: they are inhibited by various structural and institutionalised barriers. Genuine spaces for political participation are limited and policy-making processes work from the top down. Even where policy is supposed to address their concerns, there is scant consultation with the youth in governance and developmental processes. By excluding young people from key decision-making positions and processes, this perpetuates a cycle of harmful policies and programming that is at best irrelevant, and at worst dangerous
By Lloyd Pswarayi
A member of the European Union Observation Mission to Zimbabwe addresses the media before deploying observers across the country

“Supporting Zimbabwe to get free and fair elections is not an event but a process”: The Role of the EU Election Observation Mission

Interview
The European Union deploys one of the largest observer missions to monitor the 2023 Zimbabwe elections. We spoke to Dr McDonald Lewanika, politics and development professional, about the importance of the verdict by EU election observers and what contributions European actors can make to assist Zimbabweans in getting the elections they want.
By Katrin Seidel and McDonald Lewanika
Observers from SADC attend a press briefing in Harare ahead of polls on Aug 23

Leveling the playing field for political parties in Zimbabwe's 2023 election - the role of election observation and monitoring

Analysis
At a time when the continent has been hit by a spate of coups reminiscent of past military regimes of the 1980s, ensuring the 2023 elections in Zimbabwe are held to the highest standards has the potential to rekindle the hopes and promises of democracy in the continent. However, this will depend on whether the African Union and the Southern African Development Community will commit to seeing Zimbabwe adhere to principles governing elections in the continent.
By Author: Tinashe Sithole
Zimbabwean election queue

The Elections We Want

Dossier
On 23 August 2023, Zimbabweans will head to the polls to vote for councillors, members of parliament, and a president who will represent them for the next five years. Much has been said about the shortcomings of past Zimbabwean elections, resulting in lost opportunities for real change. The dossier explores perspectives from Zimbabwean activists and citizens as they continue to struggle for free and fair elections despite growing authoritarianism and political violence.
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Partners

EELC - Equal Education Law Centre | PEJDG - Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group | Magamba | MVC - My Vote Counts | LARC - Land Accountability and Research Centre | ILRIG-International Labour and research and Information Group | BESG - Built Environment Support Group | The Black Sash Trust | SADAG - The South African Depression and Anxiety Group | Archive Amabali Wethu | Sisonke Revolutionary Movement | Open Secrets

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