The latest example is Zimbabwe’s March 31 parliamentary elections, in which Mr. Mugabe’s ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front Party thrashed its democratic opponents using electoral tactics that were less Queensbury Rules than those of professional wrestling.

Starving voters were told to support the Mugabe party or lose access to food. Village leaders warned that opposition supporters could lose their homes. In 30 races surveyed by the opposition, roughly 180,000 votes appeared after the polls had closed and the official turnout had been reported.

Selective Justice: Tough on Togo, Letting Zimbabwe Slide