By Alemayehu G. Mariam* | IDN-InDepth NewsViewpoint
Zimbabwe had its presidential elections on August 3. The Zimbabwe Election Support Network said these were âseriously compromisedâ. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai described the polls âa huge farceâ and a âsham that does not reflect the will of the people.â Among African Union observers, only Botswana called for an investigation. Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam asks whether elections in Africa are a colossal exercise in futility, but is convinced that change in inevitable â perhaps through the expression of the âtornadicâ wrath of the people as seen in the âArab Springâ.