Premium from the FT – Democracy, once subverted, is hard to regain. Ask Zimbabwe.

Premium from the FT – Democracy, once subverted, is hard to regain. Ask Zimbabwe.

No rational thinker would bet against a Malawi-type similar turnaround in a properly monitored Zimbabwean election.
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In a fascinating discussion on Tuesday about the DA's proposal to re-run Joburg's 2021 election, Helen Zille explained it's nothing unusual. When voters deliver an unworkable result for politicians, she said, it's normal in democracies for them to be asked to cast their ballots once again.  

Not as usual, though, are re-runs because of widescale fraud. Because, especially on our continent, those perpetrating the fraud are normally the same who grip the levers of power. But, thankfully for Zimbabweans (and Joburgers), these are not usual times.

Yesterday, the Bongo family's 56-year dynasty in Gabon was terminated after president Ali Bongo (64), who succeeded his father Omar 14 years ago, pushed his luck once too many times. Military officers seized power "in the name of the Gabonese people" after the electoral commission claimed Bongo had won a third term with 64% of the vote.

___STEADY_PAYWALL___

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