14 reasons why Mugabe is an unquestionable dictator-in-chief
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By Patson Dzamara
*1. Mugabe believes he is the only one who is able to lead Zimbabwe with the help of his minions.*
Dictatorship involves the rule of one person or one small group led by one person.
*2. Mugabe came into power by force as a result of the protracted liberation war and he sustains his grip on power through force.*
In a dictatorship, the ruler comes to power and sustains his ppwer either by force or through manipulation.
*3. Mugabe is an arbitrary ruler.*
A dictator rules by his will. His will is the law which is superimposed over the constitution.
*4. Mugabe is an irresponsible ruler*
The rule of a dictator is neither transparent nor responsible nor even accountable to the people or to popular institutions.
*5. Mugabe is backed by military power of the State.*
Usually, dictatorship is the product of militarism, directly or indirectly.
*6. Mugabe’s rule is based on force and violence.*
Rule by force and domination is the eternal law of dictatorship.
*7. Mugabe acts for the whole nation.*
The ruler identifies the interests of the people with his own interests and describes his interests as national interests.
*8. Mugabe is an aggressive ‘Nationalist’*
The ideology of nationalism is used as a means for securing credibility for the interests of the ruler. In the name of the unity and development of the people, the ruler exercises his power for his self interest.
*9. Mugabe’s system leaves no distinction between State and Government.*
In a dictatorship there is no distinction between state and government.
*10. Mugabe is totally opposed to democracy.*
Dictatorship as the rule of one person is totally opposed to democracy which stands for the rule of the people.
*11. Mugabe places little or no Importance to people’s rights and freedom.*
Dictatorship pays little attention to the rights of the people but always places full emphasis upon the duties of the people towards the state.
*12. Mugabe has been declared a life president for Zimbabwe.*
In a dictatorship, the ruler exercises power for life or for as much time as he can. The change of ruler-ship is almost always effected by force or a revolution or by a ‘coup’ against the ruler.
*13. Mugabe is one center of power.*
A dictatorship may have a number of governmental organisations for exercising power but each of such organisations works under the ultimate authority and control of the ruler.
*14. Mugabe relies on force and brutality.*
The ruler uses war and aggression as the means for diverting the attention of the people away from their domestic problems and preventing them from expressing their wishes.
*THE DICTATOR MUST FALL*
*(Patson Dzamara is a leadership coach, author, political activist and analyst based in Zimbabwe).*
