DEBATE : "Democracy and Change in Zimbabwe. Elections, youth and the international community"
12 March 2008
Organisation: NIMD, Hivos and ZimbabweWatch
Zimbabwe will have Presidential, Parliamentarian, Senate and Local elections on 29 March 2008. During these elections Robert Mugabe, leader of the country since 1980, is opting for his 5th Presidential term at the age of 84. His legacy is at stake.
Seen as a liberator by many up until this day, Robert Mugabe is also seen as having caused the collapse of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic make-up, including hyperinflation, massive unemployment, and forcing millions to flee in search of means for survival and a decent life.
The current elections are unique as for the first time Mugabe not only faces the challenge from the MDC opposition parties but also from within his Zanu PF party. Besides MDC’s Tsvangirai he will face a senior Zanu PF contender, the former Minister of Finance, Simba Makoni for the Presidency. Free and fair elections are, however, not expected. Neighbouring countries, the regional body SADC and the African Union, have at the end of the day backed Mugabe until now while the rest of the world remains puzzled on how to effectively contribute to Zimbabwe’s democratic development. During the debate on 12 March, organised by Hivos, NIMD and Zimbabwe Watch, we actively discuss the state of democracy in Zimbabwe by focusing on the next Presidential elections, the role of civil society, the role of youth as drivers for change and the possible role and responsibility of the international community. Join us in a constructive and open debate about one of the most complex challenges the international community faces.
Seen as a liberator by many up until this day, Robert Mugabe is also seen as having caused the collapse of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic make-up, including hyperinflation, massive unemployment, and forcing millions to flee in search of means for survival and a decent life.
The current elections are unique as for the first time Mugabe not only faces the challenge from the MDC opposition parties but also from within his Zanu PF party. Besides MDC’s Tsvangirai he will face a senior Zanu PF contender, the former Minister of Finance, Simba Makoni for the Presidency. Free and fair elections are, however, not expected. Neighbouring countries, the regional body SADC and the African Union, have at the end of the day backed Mugabe until now while the rest of the world remains puzzled on how to effectively contribute to Zimbabwe’s democratic development. During the debate on 12 March, organised by Hivos, NIMD and Zimbabwe Watch, we actively discuss the state of democracy in Zimbabwe by focusing on the next Presidential elections, the role of civil society, the role of youth as drivers for change and the possible role and responsibility of the international community. Join us in a constructive and open debate about one of the most complex challenges the international community faces.
Introductions by Maureen Kademaunga, Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU),
Wilbert Mandinde, Legal Officer, Media Institute of Southern Africa – Zimbabwe (MISA)
Tamme Hansma, Programme Officer Human Rights East Africa, Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (Hivos)
Jan Tuit, Senior Policy Officer Africa, Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD)
Date and Location Wednesday 12 March 2008 Venue: Institute of Social Studies (ISS) – The Attic, Kortenaerkade 12, The HagueTime: 19h15-21h30, followed by drinksInformation and registration: Maartje Mol: m.mol@hivos.nl, 070-3765500.Organisation: NIMD, Hivos and ZimbabweWatch
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