Zimbabweans in diaspora mobilising to pressure for right to vote

By Tererai Karimakwenda
11 January, 2008

Zimbabwean organisations in the diaspora are intensifying their efforts to pressure the Mugabe regime to allow those living outside the country to vote in the election this year. Several groups have launched campaigns to pressure for a diaspora vote. The most vocal are the Zimbabwe Vigil in London, the Diaspora Vote for North America and the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum based in South Africa. All three groups are mobilising Zimbabweans in their respective areas to protest, and to lobby governments there to exert pressure as well.

Additionally, a new organisation was formed last month to provide a platform for Zimbabwean groups in the diaspora. Based in South Africa, the Global Zimbabwe Forum is coordinating information and efforts to assist Zimbabweans around the world. This has linked many groups that were operating in isolation and will help to coordinate their efforts and utilise resources wisely.

With an estimated quarter of the population having left home to seek better opportunities or safety, these votes are quite critical. Activist Gabriel Shumba, who runs the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum in South Africa, said an election without the diaspora vote would not be a true reflection of the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

As the Mugabe regime continues to insist that no-one outside the country will be permitted to vote, Shumba said this can be changed, depending on the amount of pressure brought to bear on the Zimbabwe government. He believes large numbers of Zimbabweans will need to get involved in protests. This would demonstrate to key organisations such as the African Union that there are huge numbers of Zimbabweans outside the country who do want to vote.

Shumba explained that the diaspora voting process does not have to be complicated or expensive. The government can simply use its embassies around the world as poll centres and allow Zimbabweans with identification to vote. He gave the example of how Mozambicans voted at their embassy in Harare in their last election. Of course very strict monitoring by independent observers would have to be put in place if Zimbabweans in the diaspora are to be assured that this is truly free and fair voting.