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When electoral disputes, protests become the opposition’s face-savers

Nobleman Runyanga

Herald Correspondent

As 2024 comes to a close, one cannot help, but reflect on a year marked by significant electoral activity across the SADC region.

Five countries in the region conducted elections between May and November, prompting political experts to analyse the shifting dynamics of power among ruling parties.

A striking observation from this electoral season is the increasingly desperate tactics employed by losing opposition parties, particularly those with a long history of struggle.

These parties, such as Zimbabwe’s CCC, often operate under the misguided belief that they are divinely entitled to power, regardless of their actual support or effectiveness.

This sense of entitlement leads them to think that the electorate, and indeed the world, owes them a victory.

This mentality not only undermines their credibility, but also blinds them to the realities of democratic engagement.

An assessment of the electoral losers reveals two distinct categories: those that accept their losses with dignity and those that resort to deflection and denial.

The latter group tends to blame their defeats on the electoral processes or the ruling parties, citing various alleged grievances.

Rather than using their losses as a learning opportunity to strategise for future elections, these opposition parties have become adept at contesting election results and rallying support through protests.

The case of Mozambique

In October 2024, Mozambique’s elections provided a clear illustration of this phenomenon.

Before the electoral management body could even verify and announce the results, Venancio Mondlane, a presidential candidate, threatened to unleash protests if the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner.

Mondlane’s actions underscore a troubling new trend in opposition politics: using protests as a means to challenge electoral outcomes and demand fresh elections in the hope of securing victory by default.

Mondlane’s performance in the election – garnering only 20,32 percent of the valid votes compared to Chapo’s 70,67 percent raises questions about the legitimacy of his threats.

Even if the elections were annulled and re-held multiple times, what real chance does Mondlane have to overturn such a significant deficit?

His behaviour suggests a willingness to sabotage Frelimo’s victory rather than engage earnestly with the electorate to build support.

Namibia’s electoral discontent

Similarly, in Namibia, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) faced a disappointing defeat in the recent elections.

IPC’s candidate, Panduleni Itula, managed to secure only 25,84 percent of the votes against the ruling SWAPO party’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, who received 58,07 percent.

In line with the regional trend, the IPC announced plans to pursue judicial redress, citing irregularities during the voting process.

This reaction is typical of losing opposition parties that often resort to legal battles rather than genuine political engagement.

While Itula previously made significant gains against SWAPO in 2019, his declining support down from 29,37 percent to 25,84 percent indicates a declining popularity that cannot simply be blamed on electoral misconduct.

Even if the elections had been supervised by international bodies like the United Nations, as suggested by opposition leaders in past elections, it is questionable whether Itula could have overcome SWAPO’s dominance.

The reality is that an opposition figure whose support is diminishing cannot expect to win major elections.

The politics of victimhood

The behaviour of opposition politicians in SADC reveals a broader trend: they often position themselves as victims to gain sympathy and support.

This tactic serves to distract from their electoral failures and create a narrative that resonates with disillusioned supporters.

Reports have surfaced that Mondlane escaped an assassination attempt claiming threats against his life, raising questions about his credibility.

It is perplexing that anyone would wish to harm someone who received only 20 percent of the vote, yet such claims serve to bolster his victim narrative.

This reliance on victimhood and sensational claims detracts from meaningful political discourse.

It fosters a culture of false hope among supporters, who expect victories that are not grounded in reality.

As the facts and figures increasingly expose the shortcomings of these opposition parties, the electorate is becoming more disillusioned.

Each election cycle reveals the opposition as desperate and lacking substantive political strategies.

The quest for credibility

The ongoing electoral disputes and protests have paradoxically highlighted the weaknesses of opposition parties in the region.

Instead of holding ruling parties accountable and addressing systemic issues within electoral management, these politicians often expose their lack of popularity and strategic foresight.

The post-election theatrics of opposition leaders serve only to reinforce their image as overambitious figures who lack the necessary leadership qualities to guide a successful opposition movement.

Furthermore, the actions of these opposition parties suggest a troubling alignment with external interests, particularly those of Western powers aiming to exert influence in the region.

By portraying themselves as victims of electoral injustices, they inadvertently position themselves as pawns in a larger geopolitical game, undermining their legitimacy in the eyes of voters.

Moving forward: A call for genuine engagement

As SADC countries prepare for future elections, it is crucial for opposition parties to rethink their strategies.

Instead of relying on protests and legal challenges, they must engage in genuine political discourse and build meaningful connections with the electorate.

This involves acknowledging their shortcomings, addressing the needs of their constituents, and presenting viable alternatives to the policies of ruling parties.

Ultimately, political power is not a birth right but a responsibility earned through the trust and support of the electorate.

Opposition parties must recognise that their path to success lies in fostering a robust political culture that values engagement, accountability, and transparency.

Only by doing so can they hope to reclaim their credibility and genuinely challenge ruling parties in future elections.

The events of 2024 have exposed the frailties of opposition politics in SADC.

As the region moves forward, the challenge lies in transforming these lessons into actionable strategies that align with the aspirations of the people.

By doing so, opposition parties can emerge not only as credible alternatives but also as catalysts for meaningful change in their countries.

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