Explain with an example of how popular governments can be an undemocratic and popular leader can be autocratic.

Since its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has been ruled by ZANU-PF and Robert Mugabe as its leader. The leaders of ZANU-PF were not close to the values of democracy in the following ways:

a. Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections.

b. Over the years this government has changed the constitution several times to make the President more powerful and less accountable.

c. Opposite party workers are harassed and their meetings disrupted. Public protests and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal.

d. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the government’s version.