The Constitution grants citizens of the United States freedom of expression and the right to vote, among other things. These privileges are seen as the building blocks for achieving the American Dream -- yet, on the other side of the world, people in Zimbabwe hope to do something that many Americans take for granted: choose their next president.
Robert Mugabe has used intimidation and violence to govern this African nation since 1980, when he rose to power. During this time, it has seen an increase in human rights violations along with a decline in its economy. This scenario is all-too-familiar throughout the continent, whether it's in Rwanda or Sudan. The impact of colonialism isn't limited to being mistreated by foreign entities -- such abuse can also be homegrown.
In recent years, Zimbabweans have used their voice to express their unhappiness with Mugabe's regime -- despite threats of vicious beatings, false imprisonment, or being forced from their homes. After winning the general election on March 29 -- but failing to secure the majority vote -- Morgan Tsvangirai was set to face Mugabe in a runoff election on June 27 until he withdrew his name from the ballot five days earlier. (The systematic killing of Tsvangirai supporters over the course of three months prompted him to denounce the contest as "illegitimate.")
The low turnout proved that democracy won't happen overnight. Given Mugabe's "victory," it's ironic that he sees the international community as a threat, since he believes that "only God will remove [him]" from office. Well, God has spoken ... and He said it's time for new leadership in Zimbabwe.
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