A GROUP of citizens are mulling a campaign for a democratic dispensation where rule of law prevails and people’s fundamental rights and freedoms are protected.
The campaign comes as over 160 pro-democracy activists are currently in detention after being arrested ahead of the August 17 Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit held in Mt Hampden.
The campaign, dubbed Freedom Now will seek to bring together citizens from all walks of life, to collectively dismantle the current system which is benefiting a few at the expense of the majority, according to the organisers.
In a communique seen by NewsDay, the campaign will employ multiple tactics in a bid to deliver freedom on five critical pillars.
“A democratic dispensation will make it possible for citizens to freely demand economic opportunities and social protection,” read the communique.
It reiterated that the agenda to democratise Zimbabwe should not be limited to the possibility of an electoral breakthrough.
“The ballot itself has to be democratised before elections can be viewed as a route towards dismantling autocracy. The current electoral environment has no potential of delivering change to Zimbabwe.
“The negotiators will remain anonymous to the public and will carry out an explicit mandate of capturing the views of State actors on how to move Zimbabwe forward.
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“The campaign should expose the autocracy in Harare and the ongoing gross violation of rights. The international community should be invited to contribute through a well-structured strategy of international co-operation.
“Sustained mass action should force the incumbent government to engage in dialogue leading to setting up conditions for free and fair elections,” it added.
The communique said a technical team on electoral reforms would be set up to identify areas in need of reform before Zimbabwe holds free and fair elections.
However, the issue of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe has remained a bone of contention with the opposition crying foul over alleged rigging by the Zanu PF party.
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe recently said police would not hesitate to thwart any protest meant to breach the peace prevailing in the country.
