Zimbabwe: from global (dis)agreement to free and fair elections? Considering scenarios for Zimbabwe

This policy brief highlights the current challenges faced internally, maps out likely scenarios for the country in the coming year.

With the second anniversary of Zimbabwe’s Interim Government   (IG)  fast  approaching,   the  protagonists   in and observers of what has ironically become Zimbabwe’s global and persistent political disagreement are now beginning to focus their attention on the likelihood of elections taking   place   in  2011.   

While   the   key   political players appear to be gearing up for the event next year, analysts highlight the lack of significant economic and political  progress  as  grounds  for  delaying  elections  until conditions are more favourable.

This policy brief highlights the current challenges faced internally, maps out likely scenarios for the country in the coming  year, and considers  the options  for South  Africa, as the SADC-appointed  mediator,  to continue  facilitating and supporting the transitional process.

Author: Judy Smith-Höhn