A leading pressure group, Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), has issued a report on 'the state of democracy in Zimbabwe', highli ghting views of some 11,000 of its members in one year, following the formation of the unity government in the Southern African nation, PANA reported Monday.

According to a WOZA communique, some months towards the end of 2009, the group carried out consultations and discussions with the aim of raising awareness that 'Zimbabwe needs a democratic form of government committed to making sure that all the building blocks of democracy are in place for all citizens to enjoy social justice.'

At the end of the exercise, WOZA came up with the report, entitled, 'Hearts starve as well as bodies' give us bread but give us roses too! Democratising Zim babwe " an opportunity to shine.'

According to the report, it was discovered that many members believe that 'the power-sharing government has decreased democratic space in Zimbabwe.'

Several ordinary people still feel very insecure and many have expressed 'no confidence in an election before the constitutional process is completed.'

Regarding the economic situation, it was observed that the introduction of American dollar has helped in stabilising prices and the economy in general but 'the gap between the rich and poor widened' and it is now the case of 'survival of the fittest'.

WOZA also listed a number of recommendations which it said needed to be met 'before we can believe that democracy is alive and well in Zimbabwe.'

These range from the need to have a truly independent electoral commission with transparent voters' register, the genuine accommodation of different political view points, to the assurance of civil rights/liberties and upholding of the principles of rule of law, among others.