There is an interesting link between natural resource governance and elections in Zimbabwe. This is because the control and management of natural resources have been a major source of political power in the country. During election campaigns, political parties and candidates often make promises to improve the management of natural resources and ensure that the benefits of these resources are shared equitably among the population. During the same period, politicians often use proceeds from the natural resources to fund their campaigns by buying vehicles, regalia, busing people to various provinces for rallies.
The government has been accused of using revenue from natural resources to fund its political campaigns and to enrich its leaders and supporters, rather than investing in public services and infrastructure. This has led to a situation where elections in Zimbabwe are often characterised by violence, intimidation, and electoral fraud, as the ruling party seeks to maintain its control over the country's resources.
The Marange diamond fields, discovered in 2006, were initially controlled by the Zimbabwean government and later by a joint venture between the government and private companies. However, there have been concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of the diamond fields, as well as allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
During the 2013 elections in Zimbabwe, the issue of diamond mining and natural resource governance featured prominently in the campaign. The main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), accused the ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), of failing to manage the country's natural resources effectively and using the revenue from the diamond industry to fund its election campaigns.
For example, during the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe, the main opposition party, the MDC Alliance, included natural resource governance as one of its key campaign issues.
The party's manifesto called for the establishment of an independent commission to manage the country's natural resources and ensure that the revenue generated from these resources is used to benefit the people of Zimbabwe.
Similarly, the ruling party, ZANU-PF, has also made promises to improve natural resource governance in Zimbabwe. In its 2018 election manifesto, the party pledged to increase transparency in the management of natural resources and to ensure that the benefits of these resources are distributed fairly among the population.
As we draw near to 23 August,political party manifestos should be clear on how they intend to deal with the disaster in the management of natural resources today. These are some of the issues the political manifestos in the 2023 elections should address.
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Zimbabwe has significant reserves of critical minerals, which are minerals that are essential for high-tech and defense applications. These minerals include lithium, cobalt, platinum group metals (PGMs), and rare earth elements (REEs). The development of these minerals has the potential to generate significant revenue for Zimbabwe and support the country's economic growth.
Political manifestos in the 2023 elections should address the development of critical minerals in Zimbabwe by proposing policies to attract investment in the sector, promote local beneficiation and value addition, and ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably. One potential policy proposal could be to establish a dedicated agency or ministry to oversee the development of critical minerals and coordinate efforts to attract investment in the sector.
One potential policy proposal could be to increase the use of technology and satellite imagery to monitor mining areas and prevent illegal mining activities. Another proposal could be to increase penalties for those involved in illegal mining and smuggling, including fines, imprisonment, and asset seizure. Political manifestos could also propose measures to ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably, including through the creation of local jobs and community development programs.
Environmental degradation: Zimbabwe has experienced significant environmental degradation due to deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Political manifestos should address this issue by proposing policies to promote sustainable land use practices, reforestation, and the conservation of natural habitats.
Land reform: Zimbabwe has undergone a controversial land reform program that has resulted in significant changes in land ownership and use. Political manifestos should address this issue by proposing policies that ensure equitable access to land and promote sustainable land use practices.
Mining practices: The mining industry in Zimbabwe has been criticised for its environmental impact and the exploitation of workers. Political manifestos should address this issue by proposing policies that promote responsible mining practices, protect the rights of workers, and ensure that mining benefits are shared equitably.
Wildlife conservation: Zimbabwe is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, but these species are at risk due to poaching and habitat loss. Political manifestos should address this issue by proposing policies that increase funding for wildlife conservation efforts, strengthen wildlife protection laws, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Sustainable development: Political parties should prioritise sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental protection. They should develop policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources, such as conservation, restoration, and reforestation.
Local community involvement: Political parties should involve local communities in natural resource governance by giving them a say in decision-making processes. This can help ensure that the benefits of natural resource exploitation are shared equitably and that the negative impact on local communities is minimised.
Transparency and accountability: Political parties should promote transparency and accountability in natural resource governance. They should develop policies that require companies to disclose their environmental impact and financial transactions. They should also establish an independent body to monitor natural resource governance and investigate any cases of corruption or mismanagement.
Wildlife conservation: Zimbabwe is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and political parties should prioritise policies that promote wildlife conservation. This can include measures to protect wildlife habitats, regulate hunting and poaching, and promote sustainable tourism.
Renewable energy: Zimbabwe has abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power. Political parties should prioritize policies that promote the development and use of renewable energy sources, which can help reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development.
These are just a few examples of the natural resource issues that political manifestos in the 2023 elections could address in Zimbabwe.
It is also very important for communities in natural resources infested regions to understand and scrutinise the manifestos is important for communities for several reasons:
To understand the policies: Scrutinising political party manifestos helps communities to understand the policies that political parties are proposing. This can help communities to make informed decisions about which party to support and to understand the potential implications of those policies for their lives and livelihoods.
To hold political parties accountable: Scrutinising political party manifestos can help communities to hold political parties accountable for their promises and commitments. By comparing a party's manifesto with its actions once in power, communities can hold parties accountable for their promises and commitments.
To identify gaps: Scrutinising political party manifestos can help communities to identify gaps in policy proposals and to advocate for changes that are in line with their interests and priorities. This can help ensure that political parties' policies are responsive to the needs of communities.
To shape policies: Scrutinising political party manifestos and engaging with parties can help communities to shape policies that are in line with their interests and priorities. By advocating for changes to policies and engaging in dialogue with political parties, communities can help shape policies that are more equitable, sustainable, and responsive to their needs.
Overall, scrutinising political party manifestos is an important part of the democratic process. It helps communities to make informed decisions about which party to support, hold parties accountable for their promises and commitments, identify gaps in policy proposals, and advocate for changes that are in line with their interests and priorities.
- Mutowekuziva is a registered legal practitioner. She has a keen interest in human rights, development and governance. These weekly New Horizon articles, published in the Zimbabwe Independent, are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zimbabwe). — [email protected] or mobile: +263 772 382 852
