Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
17 June 2023 | 16:05 CAT

Image: Daily Maverick

Zimbabwe heads to the polls in August against a backdrop of one of the world’s highest rates of inflation and accusations of an intensifying crackdown on the opposition.

Radio Islam International discussed the lead-up to the elections with Rutendo Benson Matinyarare, a renowned Zimbabwean anti-sanctions activist who is the chairperson Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement and founder of Zimbabweans Unite US War Sanctions.

Matinyarare said the opposition is claiming they have not been allowed to electioneer.

However, Matinyarare recently travelled to Zimbabwe to debate with the opposition’s spokesperson on ZBC. Refusing to partake in the show for the debate, the opposition sponsors, who are Americans, feared a debate with Matinyarare would expose them.

“It is very tricky to determine the real reason why the opposition is not campaigning, but many people are saying that they do not have the funds to campaign. While the ruling party continues to campaign and is supported by a number of business people,” he says.

Meanwhile, considerable food prices and the world’s highest annual inflation rates have been seen over the last three years in Zimbabwe.

Matinyarare said sanctions significantly influence the issue of food prices. An escalation in food prices has been seen mainly in 2023, with a seven-times increase due to the dollar’s devaluation.

“There is uncertainty on whether free and fair elections will take place in Zimbabwe as sanctions are being used as a tool that persecutes the majority which forces them to choose anything other than the ruling party,” says Matinyarare.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.