Fear and despair in Zimbabwe today

While the MDC appeal for help, Zanu-PF gear up for victory

Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, April 5, 10 am

The decisions taken during the long Zanu-PF politburo meeting yesterday are becoming clearer by the hour, and they plainly indicate the means by which Mugabe plans, even at this late hour, to snatch back power and smash the opposition once and for all. To back up the expected run-off vote for president, an orchestrated programme of threats, promises, accusations, rigging of results, and blatant violence is on the cards.

The opposition party, Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC, are making appeals in two courts this morning. One is the Zimbabwe High Court, where they are asking for an order that will force the publication of the presidential election results within four hours.

The other can be called the court of world opinion, as Tsvangirai appeals for the intervention of the United Nations, asking the organisation to step in with force before Mugabe can let slip his dogs of violence, intimidation and murder. It is an appeal that will be answered only with well-intentioned words.

Zanu-PF's plans are far more basic, practical and easily set in motion. Here's a quick run-down of their weapons:

Street violence  The so-called Freedom Fighters are already marching through the streets of Harare, led by the ludicrous figure of Jabulani Sibanda who is voicing his usual array of threats. Watching them are the massed ranks of the riot squads and the paramilitaries, and in the event of any confrontation we know which side they will be on.

Recounts   All those who thought the MDC had won the parliamentary elections had better think again. Recounts in closely fought constituencies are to be held, and again we all know who will be doing the counting. Typical seats under threat include Mutare West, where the MDC's Shuah Mudiwa polled 7597 against ex-Transport Minister Christopher Mushohwe's 7577. A few so-called recounts in similar seats, and the whole election will be stood on its head.

Accusations of bribery  If they can't fix the figures then Zanu-PF will fix the people. Accusations of bribery of election officials are being prepared, and doubtless there will be those officials who will admit to being bribed by the MDC...if Zanu-PF pay them enough.

Gerrymandering  Far too many people in urban areas voted for Tsvangirai in the presidential elections. This must be stopped in the re-run. How? Close down enough of the polling stations, until there won't be time for all MDC supporters to vote. Simple, when you think about it.

The Great White Farmer Threat  Yes, it's time to drag out this old chestnut. An image is being conjured of hordes of one-time white farmers massing on the borders, waving avenging agricultural implements, ready to take part in a massive land grab-back. Zanu-PF spokesman said this yesterday: "We would like to warn white farmers who are coming back that we will deal with them thoroughly, so they should stay away." And he kept a straight face while he said it, too.

I would like to end this piece with some optimistic thought. But this morning I can't think of one.

Comments

[PATRICK]

Its a pity, but the west will just watch and say "Tut, tut!" and do nothing.

[Dean]

It was all to be expected really. My heart bleeds for Zim' and her amazing people, I just wish there was something I could do. It sounds pathetic but I'm praying for you guys.

One thought I had about the 'victory' of the MDC in the parliamentary vote was that the president (as I recall from my time in Zim') appoints upto 20 of his own acolytes to parliament, so even if Mugabe lost control of the house he's regain it this way.

Tragic really!

[John Haiyae]

I really feel for the beatiful country of Zim when i remember what delayed presidential elections did to kenya.I pray that zim not to go that direction,If only the president can accept the will of the people and step down.

[McPaul]

Unfortunately my previous comment including the prophecy of Mugabe stealing the election appears to have come true. He will be vindictive and extremely vicious to those who opposed him.
It must be asked why Mugabe and his generals have suddenly gained confidence? maybe he has the backing of South Africa or the Chinese or both, to stay in power! time will tell.

[Mike Latira]

I have just been listening to SA president Thabo Mbeki. The guy can lie, now I believe he is not an honest broker in the Zimbabwean crisis. He wants to see Mugabe continue as president. He just lied to the world that both MDC and Zanu PF agreed to delay the announcement of the results. Why else would MDC seek a court order to force the electoral body to release the same results then? This guys still wants to see Zimbabwe suffering, his country has benefitted the most from the Zimbabwean crisis!

[Rosie]

Mbeki is supposed to be playing the role of mediator/advisor - how WEAK is he?
These politicians become powerful they only see what they want to see not what the rest of the world sees.
The country is suffering, the people are dying and suffering in the worst way and the election is being rigged as we speak and WEAK MBEKI says everything is OK - PATHETIC. This man needs his eyes examined AND VOTED OUT OF POWER.

[Yuan]

I pity the african countries because their presidents believe that they own leadership and it is their rights to govern until they go to the grave. I do hope that the zimbabwe people will vote for change and renewal. there is no reason for any sane person to agree to be ruled by an 85 year old president who probably is dement and therefore unaccountable for his actions. wake up people and use your vote to take him out otherwise with an inflation of ove4r one hundred thousand percent, you are not heading anywhere except poverty while mugabe and his family feed themselves. wish you luck