Have young Zimbabweans come to realize that they can change the old status quo? Taking cues from biblical verse, our blogger in Harare is optimistic.
Winds of change seem to be sweeping Zimbabwe. Many, especially those who have recently come of age, realize it's their democratic right to support a party of their choice - and to vote. It's encouraging to see how politicians and activists can now campaign freely to reach a wider audience. They can actually move around wearing their own party regalia.
In the Bible, 2 Chronicles 32:7 reads: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him."
The verse has finally rung true in the hearts of many who, in their hordes, have taken courage to register as first-time voters. Despite the frustrations they have faced in trying to register, the people are being strong, standing in queues for long hours.
The Tsvangirai-led MDC, MKD and Zanu-PF Ndonga parties also seem to have been inspired by the same verse. They've come together to support Tsvangirai as a presidential candidate. Tsvangirai has said that it's possible to win the elections even without the necessary reforms to level the playing field. Those are words of comfort indeed for people who want reassurance that the election will not be stolen again.
The MDC has been clamouring for reforms to ensure that all political parties get equal coverage, especially in the state-controlled media. The party also wants the military's political role to be reduced. Tsvangirai has said that he won the elections even though the playing field was not level in the March 2008 elections, even though efforts were made to muzzle the people's voice.
Milk and honey, or bread and butter
The Chronicles verse continues in 8: "With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us fight our battles. And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."
Simply interpreted, there is a realization that no one, not even Mugabe, is infallible. And that even with all the artillery and equipment on their side, Zanu-PF can still be defeated. That no matter what threats have been issued by the state, people are being strong and courageous, standing up to the bullying that they have endured for so long. All the state machinations have ceased to scare away peace-loving Zimbabweans.
There is hope that once again the land will flow with milk and honey - milk and honey being, as it were, bread and butter: the most basic of Zimbabweans' everyday needs. People must have faith that their will is going to be reflected in the election results. They must believe that things can change, that people can live and associate freely, that children can go back to school, that parents can go back to work for their families, that bloggers like myself will be able to fully express ourselves in a free press.
Psalm 81:10 reads: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt." The land of Egypt for Zimbabwe represents first, white rule and, second, dictatorship. If God ended white rule, He surely can end tyranny by bringing the people of Zimbabwe into a land of true democracy and freedom!
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