Congo--Kinshasa
19-10-2006, 19:53
http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/images/Mobutu_poster.JPG
Kinshasa, Zaire
The sprawling metropolis was abuzz with excitement. The animated chatter of nearly everyone, locals, tourists, and expats alike, revolved around one subject: the impending presidential election, Zaire's first since 1984. It would be the fourth presidential election held by Mobutu Sese Seko; previously, he had overwhelmingly won one-man elections in 1970, 1977, and 1984. Mobutu embarked on a nation-wide campaign tour, listening to grievances, doling out gifts, and delivering speeches that utilized every iota of legendary oratory. At the same time, party militants staged huge pro-government rallies in every major city.
Zairian flags, portraits of Mobutu, and campaign posters adorned every business, school, hospital, police station, army barracks, etc., as well as most homes. By the hundreds, members of the Division Spécial Présidentielle made their way from residence to residence, handing out flyers, "coaching" voters (persuading them, by either intimidation, bribery, or a combination of the two, to vote), and stopping random passersby to check them and see if they were carrying their MPR badge; those who were not, were beaten and detained.
Long-time opposition leader and pro-democracy activist Étienne Tshisekedi, leader of the outlawed opposition party UDPS (Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social) was placed under house arrest, as were his family members, friends, and other associates. Pro-Tshisekedi college students attempting to stage a peaceful demonstration downtown were dispersed by batons and tear gas.
The massive personality cult of Mobutu was more pervasive and blatant than ever. Scarcely a second went by without his name being mentioned on the radio or on television (a luxury most Zairians could not afford); his deeds and accomplishments (many of them exaggerated or fictitious) were lauded endlessly, with praise bordering on religiosity.
Rambunctious, restless, drugged up youth of the JMPR (Jeunesse du Mouvement Populaire de la Révolution) prowled the streets, highly motivated by the knowledge of the complete impunity they enjoyed, and harassed and intimidated real and suspected UDPS supporters, looted businesses of UDPS members, and sprayed anti-UDPS graffiti on their property, while police pretended not to notice, watched with tacit approval, or joined in on the "fun."
Hundreds of "subversives" and "counterrevolutionaries" disappeared into prisons, to be held throughout the duration of the election. An entire army division swarmed the city, ensuring that law and order was rigorously maintained and enforced, and ensuring everyone voted. Armed patrols were present at every polling booth, to ensure that everyone voted correctly. As Mobutu was the sole candidate, voters were given only two options: Yes and No. None were foolhardy enough to select the latter option.
At 8:00 P.M., October 19, the election results were announced on the evening news:
Percentage of votes
Yes: 99.9%
No: Less than 0.1%
Afterwards, Mobutu gave an emotional televised speech, wherein he said that he was "honored to be chosen to lead Zaire and her great people. The people have spoken, they have chosen me, and I shall work to serve and lead the people to the best of my ability."
Kinshasa, Zaire
The sprawling metropolis was abuzz with excitement. The animated chatter of nearly everyone, locals, tourists, and expats alike, revolved around one subject: the impending presidential election, Zaire's first since 1984. It would be the fourth presidential election held by Mobutu Sese Seko; previously, he had overwhelmingly won one-man elections in 1970, 1977, and 1984. Mobutu embarked on a nation-wide campaign tour, listening to grievances, doling out gifts, and delivering speeches that utilized every iota of legendary oratory. At the same time, party militants staged huge pro-government rallies in every major city.
Zairian flags, portraits of Mobutu, and campaign posters adorned every business, school, hospital, police station, army barracks, etc., as well as most homes. By the hundreds, members of the Division Spécial Présidentielle made their way from residence to residence, handing out flyers, "coaching" voters (persuading them, by either intimidation, bribery, or a combination of the two, to vote), and stopping random passersby to check them and see if they were carrying their MPR badge; those who were not, were beaten and detained.
Long-time opposition leader and pro-democracy activist Étienne Tshisekedi, leader of the outlawed opposition party UDPS (Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social) was placed under house arrest, as were his family members, friends, and other associates. Pro-Tshisekedi college students attempting to stage a peaceful demonstration downtown were dispersed by batons and tear gas.
The massive personality cult of Mobutu was more pervasive and blatant than ever. Scarcely a second went by without his name being mentioned on the radio or on television (a luxury most Zairians could not afford); his deeds and accomplishments (many of them exaggerated or fictitious) were lauded endlessly, with praise bordering on religiosity.
Rambunctious, restless, drugged up youth of the JMPR (Jeunesse du Mouvement Populaire de la Révolution) prowled the streets, highly motivated by the knowledge of the complete impunity they enjoyed, and harassed and intimidated real and suspected UDPS supporters, looted businesses of UDPS members, and sprayed anti-UDPS graffiti on their property, while police pretended not to notice, watched with tacit approval, or joined in on the "fun."
Hundreds of "subversives" and "counterrevolutionaries" disappeared into prisons, to be held throughout the duration of the election. An entire army division swarmed the city, ensuring that law and order was rigorously maintained and enforced, and ensuring everyone voted. Armed patrols were present at every polling booth, to ensure that everyone voted correctly. As Mobutu was the sole candidate, voters were given only two options: Yes and No. None were foolhardy enough to select the latter option.
At 8:00 P.M., October 19, the election results were announced on the evening news:
Percentage of votes
Yes: 99.9%
No: Less than 0.1%
Afterwards, Mobutu gave an emotional televised speech, wherein he said that he was "honored to be chosen to lead Zaire and her great people. The people have spoken, they have chosen me, and I shall work to serve and lead the people to the best of my ability."