October 24th, 2018
Written by - Katherine Cassese '21
South Africa Last year in South Africa, former President Zuma was forced out of power by his party and replaced with Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa’s presidency comes at a time when the political influence of his party, the ANC, is waning. The ANC has been in power for the 26 years since they helped end Apartheid, but the party will face a tough election in 2019. This puts pressure on Ramaphosa to turn around the corruption that has plagued both his predecessor and a multitude of other ANC politicians and, further, to garner support through economic reforms. One way Ramaphosa intends to engage in the reform needed to narrow the wealth gap, a legacy of Apartheid, is by redistributing white-owned land. Ramaphosa claims most of the land in contention to be redistributed without compensation is currently in disuse. The plan remains controversial, but may very well play a part in ANC politics and solving the problem of economic inequality.
Zimbabwe Until last year, most Zimbabweans had only ever known life under President Mugabe, whose tenure has been marked by a series of human rights violations. Mugabe has been accused of silencing the press and intimidating the opposition. In 2000, he instituted a policy of seizing white farmers’ land. These violations have earned international criticism and sanctions that have hurt the economy. Last year, the military turned against Mugabe and ousted him in a ‘soft coup’ that many believe was organized by his second in command, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa was confirmed as president in the next election and, while the international community acknowledged the results of the vote, doubts remain about the probity of the election.
The elections in Zimbabwe could mark a turning point in Zimbabwean life. For years, Mugabe’s actions have turned the West against the country. Now, Mnangagwa is trying to repair these integral relationships to help his country and his people. He promises free elections and is attempting to rejoin the Commonwealth, which had expelled the country under his predecessor. The US maintains sanctions, but the EU has repealed most of them. It has yet to be seen if Mnangagwa’s Zimbabwe will truly be a freer country and if it will be accepted once more on the global stage.
Afghanistan Parliamentary voting recently took place in Afghanistan for the first time in eight years, and has been followed violence, logistical issues, but also hope. To begin, the Taliban warned Afghani voters not to participate in the elections and have threatened violence to those who choose to disregard their demands. Unfortunately, they have followed through. At least 28 people have been killed by their efforts, among them General Abdul Raziq, a powerful police chief of Kandahar province. Voting has been delayed in the region, but is expected to continue later. This adds to larger logistical issues, which include voting not being available at all in certain regions due to threats. Additionally, at some voting stations voters reported having to wait in long lines, or voting stations were not sent the proper equipment to service their stations. However, this election brings hope. Hundreds of women and young people are running for office, and many more are voting. The 4 million people who turned out to vote all did so in defiance of the Taliban, which too carries a powerful message on the strength of the common people in the face of their oppressors.
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