Zimbabwe: Election nears, Zimbabwe's pro-Democracy parties hibernate

The peace-loving people of Zimbabwe accepted the global political agreement - a creation of the nation's top three parties - with the hopes of smooth sailing into a new democratic dispensation. But the government of national unity has failed to create the necessary environment for peaceful elections and a systematic transition to democracy.

This was seen even during the constitutional outreach meetings where political parties coached their supporters on what to say. As I write, I'm receiving word that Radio Dialogue's offices in Bulawayo were raided by the police and the police reportedly confiscated 180 short-wave radio sets. I will not waste time on the other paranoia-driven human rights violations perpetrated on organisations believed to be a "threat". This systematic use of terrorism will certainly be with us for some time.