This morning the first official election results are at last emerging - and they show success for the MDC
Harare, Zimbabwe, 7.30, March 31
The first six results of the Zimbabwe House of Assembly election have just been released by the Electoral Commission. The MDC has won four, and Zanu-PF two. There are 203 more to go, and Zanu-PF has won one unopposed.
This news comes as the people of Zimbabwe are waking to find their country resting on the knife-edge of history. Unofficial results continue to indicate victory for Morgan Tsvangirai's faction of the MDC, but signs remain that Mugabe is determined to hang on to power at all costs.
Last night the chiefs of the armed services, the police and all paramilitary state security forces were locked in emergency session in the headquarters of the feared Central Intelligence Organisation, Mugabe's secret police.
Sources say they are trying to cope with the news that the man they have sworn loyalty to has been rejected by the electorate. They are believed to have agreed not to accept a Tsvangirai victory.
Similar problems faced the official observer mission sent to monitor the election by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is historically supportive of Mugabe. The head of the mission from the 14 nation bloc, Angolan Sports Minister Jose Marcos Barrica, delayed a press conference for two hours while, it is understood, he consulted with the President's office on what to say.
It became clear that some members of the SADC team, in particular representatives of the Democratic Alliance, a South African opposition party, wanted it made clear that they considered the election had not been free and fair.
One told me: "The minister knew our position, but during discussion it was clear someone had told him what to say, and he was trying to force it down our throats."
Eventually Barrica did claim that the election had been fair, but it was to the evident disgust of some members of his team, and he was booed by media and diplomatic personnel at the press conference.
Meanwhile, as official results slowly appear, unoffcial ones continue to show major Zanu-PF figures losing their seats to MDC candidates. The big names to fall include Vice-President Joyce Mujuru, and ministers Parick China masa, Webster Shamu, Colonel Mike Nyambuya, and Ignatius Chombo.
Some of these results are said to have led to violence, including two shootings, but details are as yet vague.
What is not vague is the presence on city streets today of armed police and army anti-riot squads. Patrols were stepped up last night, to back up the government warning that premature claims of victory by the MDC would be treated as a coup d'etat.
More results on this site as I get them. it's going to be a tense and difficult day.
In terms of education, respect for officers is a duty of citizens, however, day by day the streets are problems between people and traffic officers, or police, this situation should change, for me it should implement best punishment for the person who disrespects a public servant. thanks for letting me express myself ..
Posted by: Impotence causes | Thursday, 28 October 2010 at 16:11