Implication of the exodus for democracy The absence from Zimbabwe of possibly 50% of its adult population has dire implications for democracy and the outcome of elections in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans in exile are denied the right to postal ballots, yet it can be assumed that many of the most politically alienated and dissatisfied Zimbabweans are those who have made the choice to leave the country. By denying this half of the population the right to vote, ZANU PF is entrenching its own position. Zimbabweans in England, USA and South Africa were recently canvassed by Zimbabwean government officials to send their money home via official channels, yet many have refused to support the Homelink scheme, stating that they objected to the government wanting their money, but not their vote.55 Although it remains embroiled in this seemingly interminable humanitarian and political crisis, Zimbabwe is constitutionally bound to have general parliamentary elections during 2005. Without the participation of that half of the adult population that is now abroad, any election will not be a true reflection of the will of the Zimbabwean people. Yet the vast majority of those we spoke to long to return to their homeland, if only political and humanitarian conditions there would allow them to do so. Summary Zimbabweans are leaving their nation in their millions for a variety of reasons: • Political persecution including torture, destruction of property, and harassment • The humanitarian crisis and food deficit: hunger in Zimbabwe is not a simple socioeconomic issue, but a political one. The government has a proven history in the last few year of manipulating access to food on party political lines • The politically driven economic collapse has driven thousands into the diaspora, seeking jobs. 55 SWRadio Africa, RBZ team mobbed by angry Zimbabweans, 14 June 2004. 32