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As Zimbabwe prepares for its upcoming presidential elections on August 23, concerns about a potential internet shutdown loom both within and outside the country. Governments, particularly in Africa, have increasingly resorted to internet shutdowns during times of political crises. This year, Senegal has already experienced disruptions since June. With Zimbabwe facing a high inflation rate and other challenges, a blackout of information could be a significant threat to its citizens.

Experts are recommending that citizens prepare for potential disruptions by using a reliable VPN service. Zimbabwe has a history of disrupting internet access during protests and opposition activities. According to monitoring by the #KeepItOn coalition, Zimbabwe has shut down the internet six times since 2015. In 2019, the government implemented a three-day internet shutdown during public protests against increased fuel prices. In 2022, internet access was intermittently disrupted during an opposition rally.

Not only is the possibility of internet restrictions during the elections not far-fetched, but there are also existing laws and provisions that undermine free speech and press freedom in Zimbabwe. Journalists and citizens expressing their political opinions online have already been arrested for spreading “fake news” or attempting to overthrow the government. The pending amendment to the Criminal Court Law, known as the Patriotic Bill, could further exacerbate these charges.

The presidential elections hold immense significance for Zimbabweans, who are grappling with a severe economic crisis, high inflation, power outages, an unstable currency, and corruption allegations. The elections present an opportunity for the people to hold their government accountable and assess the progress made over the past five years.

There are 11 approved candidates for the elections, but the main contest is expected to be between incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Zanu-PF party and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the CCC party. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a run-off will be held six weeks later on October 2.

Internet shutdowns during elections can undermine democratic processes by silencing voices and preventing active participation. Access Now and a group of digital rights experts have issued an open letter calling on the Zimbabwean government to ensure uninterrupted and unrestricted internet access throughout the election period. However, the government has not responded to these calls.

It is important for citizens to be prepared for potential internet disruptions. While a VPN can help bypass throttling and geo-restrictions, it may not be effective in the event of a total blackout. The Tor browser is another tool that allows access to the unrestricted internet. Ensuring high-quality, secure, and uninterrupted internet access during elections is crucial for promoting free expression, monitoring results, and fostering a national discourse.

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