Letters to the editor

Democracy in Zimbabwe

Thank you for finding a “sliver of hope” in the prospects for Zimbabwe (“Fall of the dictator”, November 18th). As Zimbabwean citizens and democracy campaigners, we are also permitting ourselves a moment of optimism. Where we differ from The Economist is in the imperative to hold an election based on the current timetable or at the earliest opportunity. There is more to having a free and fair election than holding a ballot.

Before an election in Zimbabwe can pass as free and fair, substantial reforms are required to align electoral law properly with the constitution; scrub the voters’ roll of political bias; make the Electoral Commission truly independent; develop a conducive politics free from violence,...