Radio host MisRed is catching heat from political activists after a listener poll. Her ZiFM Stereo show named former opposition politician Fadzayi Mahere as Zimbabwean of the Year. The station is owned by a member of the ruling party's politburo.
The poll included several ruling party members among its ten nominees. Online backlash accused the station of rewarding a government critic. MisRed defended the process, stating the winner was chosen entirely by public vote. She called the debate a normal feature of a democratic space.
The controversy highlights the country's deep political divisions. Mahere, being very active on social media, has a strong following in urban areas where the station's audience is concentrated. Critics from the ruling party circles have expressed their frustration with the outcome online.
The poll included several ruling party members among its ten nominees. Online backlash accused the station of rewarding a government critic. MisRed defended the process, stating the winner was chosen entirely by public vote. She called the debate a normal feature of a democratic space.
The controversy highlights the country's deep political divisions. Mahere, being very active on social media, has a strong following in urban areas where the station's audience is concentrated. Critics from the ruling party circles have expressed their frustration with the outcome online.
