Independent Lens Season 17 Episode 15 Democrats

Independent Lens, a PBS documentary series that shines a light on social and political issues, presents season 17 episode 15 - Democrats. The episode delves into the political landscape of Zimbabwe, a country that has been ruled by Robert Mugabe and his political party ZANU-PF for over three decades.

The documentary focuses on the upcoming 2018 presidential election, which is seen as a crucial turning point in the country's history. The long-reigning Mugabe had been ousted from power in November 2017, opening the door for a new wave of politicians to take over. The episode explores the campaigning efforts of the main opposition party, the MDC Alliance, as they seek to take on the might of the ruling party.

The episode introduces us to two key figures from the MDC Alliance - Douglas Mwonzora and Paul Mangwana. Mwonzora is the Secretary-General of the MDC-T, one of the opposition parties that form the MDC Alliance. He is a lawyer by profession and a consummate politician who understands the intricacies of Zimbabwe's political landscape. Mangwana, on the other hand, is a seasoned politician from the ruling ZANU-PF party who defected to the opposition. He brings with him a wealth of experience and valuable insights into the workings of the ruling party.

We also get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans who are hoping for change. We see how the issues of unemployment, corruption, and a lack of basic amenities have affected the lives of people in the country. Through their stories, we get a sense of how politics is deeply rooted in their daily lives and how the outcome of the election will have far-reaching consequences.

The episode presents a balanced view of the political situation in Zimbabwe, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both the ruling party and the opposition. We see how the ruling party uses its vast resources to campaign and how the opposition struggles to compete on an uneven playing field. We also get a sense of the tremendous pressure that the politicians face as they seek to win the hearts and minds of the people.

Overall, Democrats is a thought-provoking documentary that gives an insight into the complex world of Zimbabwean politics. It is a timely reminder of the importance of democracy and the crucial role that it plays in shaping the future of a country.