The article by Freeman Razemba, a senior reporter from the state-controlled Herald newspaper, suggests that Tendai Biti and Fadzayi Mahere, two opposition party members who have been previously convicted and fined for various offences, including electoral malpractice and publishing falsehoods, have no moral grounds to contest in the forthcoming elections. Political analysts interviewed by the newspaper are quoted as saying that anyone convicted of a crime, regardless of its severity, should not stand for public office and that voters should not trust such individuals as they are likely to commit more serious offences if elected.
However, this article is a classic example of propaganda, rather than genuine news reporting. The Herald newspaper is controlled by the Zanu-PF, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, and has a long history of biased reporting. The article in question is clearly aimed at discrediting opposition politicians and discouraging voters from supporting them. It is also noteworthy that the article selectively quotes only those political analysts who support the ruling party’s position.
Furthermore, the article’s suggestion that anyone convicted of a crime, even for trivial offences, should be disqualified from public office is both illogical and undemocratic. People who have been convicted of a crime are still entitled to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard. Moreover, a criminal conviction should not automatically disqualify someone from holding public office, especially if the conviction was for a minor or non-violent offence.
In conclusion, the article by Freeman Razemba in the state-controlled Herald newspaper is a piece of propaganda aimed at discrediting opposition politicians and discouraging voters from supporting them. It is biased and unbalanced, and its suggestion that anyone convicted of a crime should be disqualified from public office is both illogical and undemocratic.
