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Elections in Zimbabwe Signal End to Dictator's Rule
The African country of Zimbabwe had an election last week and the world is nervously waiting for the results. President Robert Mugabe, wants to stay in power even though it appears he has lost a close election. Mugabe took over Zimbabwe 28 years ago when he was the leader of a guerilla group fighting for change in that country.
At the time, a small minority of white people ruled the country, which was called Rhodesia. The majority of black Rhodesians didn't have the same rights as whites, and Mugabe wanted to change that. He joined a political party called the National Democratic Party. The white Prime Minister of Rhodesia banned the party and put Mugabe in jail for 10 years.
In 1980, the white leaders agreed to give blacks the vote. Mugabe came to power and the country changed its name to Zimbabwe. For many years, things went well in that country. But recently, economic changes have resulted in disaster for the country. There are food shortages and Zimbabwe's money is nearly worthless.
Mugabe also didn't allow elections for a long time. Now Zimbabwe had elections, and it looks like Mugabe lost. But he's delaying the results, using the police to scare his opponents, and even locking up journalists. When the results are finally announced, the world will find out whether or not Mugabe can remain in power.
I'm Michelle and that's what happened in the world this week.
Photo: AP
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