7 Murambatsvina indicates, by any ameliorative mechanisms, but rather by rigorous enforcement of legislation designed to prevent dissent by sectors of the populace which the government seems to fear are approaching a position where they have little left to lose. The 2005 Operation Murambatsvina continues to have grave social impacts upon the urban poor 6 and in recent months the government has mounted further Murambatsvina-like operations in different parts of the country. THE BENCHMARKS CONSIDERED Resumption of constructive dialogue between ZANU-PF and MDC This basic benchmark, which may be the key to meeting the others, has not been approached at all. The opposition split into two factions in October 2005. President Robert Mugabe has not sought to use this split to avoid dialogue on the ground that there is no clarity as to with whom he should negotiate. Instead, Mugabe has continued to insist that the opposition MDC is a front for the British Government’s intention to seeking regime change and that negotiations must therefore be between himself and his British counterpart. A clear instance of this approach was manifested in July, 2006 when the Zimbabwean government withdrew an invitation to the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to visit Zimbabwe after reports that Annan was seeking to play a role in resolving the Zimbabwe crisis. Thereafter, reports circulated widely that President Benjamin Mkapa (a long time vocal supporter of Mugabe) would play the role of a mediator, not between ZANU-PF and the MDC, but between Britain and Zimbabwe. Mkapa subsequently denied having taken up this role. Indeed, Mkapa has done nothing to indicate that he had such a mandate7. Accordingly, there have been no negotiations at all between ZANU-PF and the MDC in the period under review8. Political intimidation and violence Political violence and intimidation is most evident during election periods and during major demonstrations or meetings held by opposition groupings (see below). There were two Parliamentary By-Elections over the period in review and Rural District Council elections. Far from an adherence to the SADC Guidelines, these elections were conducted in a manner to which Zimbabweans have become accustomed. The By-Elections were in ZANU-PF strongholds, and as happened in past elections in these constituencies, ZANU- PF declared them virtual no go areas 6 7 8 See, for instance, Political repression disguised as civic mindedness: Operation Murambatsvina one year later Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum November 2006. “Mkapa Initiative Dead in the Water” Financial Gazette 9/11-16/11/06 “More of Mugabe’s Magic Tricks” Pretoria News (South Africa) 04/09/06 Zimbabwe’s Failure to meet the Benchmarks in the Contonou Agreement