Zimbabwe’s political crisis will play out against a backdrop of substantial public trust in the army but a clear rejection of military rule in favour of democracy.
Almost two-thirds of Zimbabweans said in an Afrobarometer survey in January-February 2017 that they trust the army at least “somewhat.” But even more said they disapprove of military rule and prefer democracy over any other political system.
Importantly, respondents overwhelmingly said they feel “not very free” or “not at all free” to criticize the army.
Download the full press release for the key findings.
Related content
Working paper
WP63: Voters but not yet citizens: The weak demand for vertical acountability in Africa’s unclaimed democracies
Dispatch
AD195: Most Zimbabweans trust the army but reject military rule, don’t feel free to voice criticism
Dispatch
AD40: Zimbabwe seen headed in the wrong direction, but president’s leadership approval steady