iv. Institutional reform a. The judiciary • People do not think that the courts can assist them; matters drag on and it is now too expensive for them to continue going to court [several participants in support of the above-mentioned victim]. • The independence and efficiency of the judiciary must be restored so that justice can be dispensed again. “There is no justice in this country. We must fix the system” [young male participant, youth group]. b. The security sector • The police force is a partisan institution [all groups, including government employees]. • “In my profession, when a patient comes for attention, I look at the degree of injury. I do not ask for a party card. The same is what we expect from our police force” [medical professional speaking for government employees]. • Lack of professionalism had been experienced recently at a roadblock where one of the police officers was wearing his uniform with the T-shirt of a political party over his shirt. This had looked ridiculous. c. Traditional leaders • Traditional leaders are a very important institution of local governance in Makonde. However, because of the “evil political culture”, the strength of the institution has collapsed threatening local governance. Politicians came from outside and caused chaos [traditional leaders]. • Consequently legal reform is recommended to give them power to regain charge of their communities. They must be protected from politicians and given sufficient power to manage their communities. In Makonde violence had been perpetrated by people brought in by politicians from outside. Politicians have become so “grossly indecent” [male participant]. • The police force must regain its professional identity and politicians must leave the police to do their work [groups in general]. • Politicians must recognize freedom of worship and assembly and the Church must be left to carry out its social responsibilities such as feeding orphans and caring for the vulnerable groups [church group]. d. The electoral management system • The commission that runs the elections lacks independence. Respect is demanded from politicians and the election managers. Delays in releasing results show dis­ respect for the electorate; refusal to congratulate the winner equally so [supported by almost all participants who identified themselves as the “electorate”]. “Adyiwa ngaape mumwe chishanu.” [“The loser must shake hands with the winner.”] [female ZANU(PF) political activist]. e. The civil service • The vibrancy of the civil service sector must be restored for everyone’s benefit [government employees]. Taking Transitional Justice to the People – Outreach Report 77