Weapons at the ready, Mugabe's soldiers patrol the trouble spots
In a move that is undoubtedly intended to intimidate hesitant and fearful voters, Mugabe has put the troops on the streets. Yesterday heavily armed soldiers in military vehicles, including armoured cars, personnel carriers and water cannon, drove slowly through many populous parts of Harare.
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) immediately pointed out that the areas where the troops were most visible were those considered to be politically volatile - Tafara, Mabvuku, Glenview and Budiriro.
MDC district chairman for MJabvuku, Kurima Kwaramba, who witnessed the parade, told me: "It's just intimidation tactics. But it won't work this time. The troops will have seen for themselves that at this election our people are standing firm."
My sources within military circles confirmed that the army is on stand-by throughout the country, preparing to move against any national protest following the election.
"The service chiefs noted that the opposition parties had warned there might be violence on the scale of Kenya is the election looks rigged," said a soldier from Inkomo barracks, just outside Harare. "And they are well aware that if there is trouble the police will not be able to contain it."
However, an Army spokesman, Lieutenant Coionel Simon Tsatsi, officially denied that the troops were on high alert. He also denied rumours that troops would be in the polling stations themselves tomorrow, election day.
"Things are normal," he said. "The soldiers are in barracks as usual."
It was a statement that rang hollow to those who witnessed the parade of military might earlier in the day.
Finally, just a few hours before the polls open, may I express a personal wish. I hope and trust that all my fellow citizens who can will turn out to vote tomorrow. Afterwards, when the results become known, please be careful. We live in dangerous times.
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