Ok, this is a human rights blog and not a political blog BUT I could not avoid commenting on this statement by Senator Clinton re: the Florida Democratic primary. As noted by Fernando Suarez (CBS news) Hillary Clinton compared the plight of Zimbabweans in their recent fraudulent election to the uncounted votes of Michigan and Florida voters noting:
"…people go through the motions of an election only to have them discarded and disregarded. We're seeing that right now in Zimbabwe. Tragically, an election was held, the president lost, they refused to abide by the will of the people.”
That is in poor, poor taste.
As a reminder here is what Zimbabwe is facing:
“Thousands of Zimbabweans have fled after being beaten in rural areas, during what the opposition and human rights groups say is a deliberate campaign ahead of the the presidential run-off on 27 June.”
And here is what Zimbabweans are grappling with re: their vote (thanks to the BBC for this important reporting”:
“CHARITY, 37, UZUMBA MURAMBA PFUNGWA
“No, I’m not going back. My house was destroyed. I don't have another place to go and stay. If things were settled I would like to go.”
BENJAMIN MUPFUMURUTSA, 21, MOUNT DARWIN
“Yes, I am willing to go. In the last election I was a polling agent. When I go back I will be an agent. I will not hesitate to do that duty even with the violence. I’m fighting for change. That's what I know.”
ENOCH CHIRUNDA, 32, SHAMVA
“I don't think so because they burnt everything for us. No IDs, no clothing, no shelter. I don't know where to go. They left us with nothing, completely nothing.
“[As to whether will benefit by our absence,] Zanu-PF will know there are no opposition supporters. Only Zanu-PF people will vote. There are no opposition supporters. It will be a big advantage for them.”
