Zimbabwe: Current Issues
Abstract
Parliamentary elections are scheduled in Zimbabwe for March 31, 2005, and they will be closely watched by supporters of human rights and democracy. The last parliamentary election, in June 2000, was marred by violence against the opposition and other irregularities. According to the Department of State, the presidential election in March 2002 was "preceded and followed by a government-sanctioned campaign of violence directed towards supporters and potential supporters of the opposition." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has labeled Zimbabwe an "outpost of tyranny," and the United States has enforced targeted sanctions against top Zimbabwe officials and associates since 2002. Moreover, the Administration has urged South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki to lead a regional effort to promote democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Should the 2005 voting again prove violent or manifestly unfair, some may advocate stronger measures. Zimbabwe is a land-locked, primarily agricultural southern African country of 12.7 million people, and has been ruled by its current President, Robert Mugabe, since a majority-rule political system was established -- following a long civil war -- in 1980. Since the late 1990s, the Mugabe government has pursued a controversial land expropriation policy that has contributed to a sharp and continuing economic decline. GDP declined by 30% from 1998 through 2003, and fell another 5.2% in 2004. Unemployment is estimated at 70%. The adult HIV infection rate of 25% has contributed to a sharp drop in life expectancy. This report describes the current situation within Zimbabwe and the policies adopted by key countries and institutions in the international community toward Zimbabwe. Scenarios for Zimbabwe's future are briefly outlined. For background on Mugabe's land policies and previous elections, see CRS Reports RL31229, "Zimbabwe Backgrounder," RS21161, "Zimbabwe Election Chronology," and RS21595, "Zimbabwe Update."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA457334
Entities
People
- Jeffrey P. Townsend
- Raymond W. Copson
Organizations
- Library of Congress