Now they are recounting the recounts

The real reason why it's all taking so long

It has been difficult to believe that the Zimbabwe elections, both parliamentary and presidential, could be more farcical, more convoluted, and more shameful. But they could, and they are. And my reliable source within the Zimbabe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is watching it happen.

This is what he reports: the recounts of both votes, which are unjustified and quite possibly illegal, began on Saturday - and by halfway through the afternoon it became quite clear to the Zanu-PF officials in attendance that those doing the counting had mis-counted yet again.

There were the piles of votes. The recounts of 16 parliamentary constituencies had been completed. Each had originally been won by the MDC. Each, in the recount, had also been won by the MDC - in some cases, by an even greater majority than before.

The Presidential election recount was also proceeding on schedule. The original count gave MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai a clear and conclusive lead over President Robert Mugabe of Zanu-PF. And the recount? Yes, it was showing very much the same result.

At this point the Zanu-PF officials stepped in, to demand that the recount be recounted, and, weak-kneed as ever, the ZEC people agreed. And the counting began all over again. And is still going on. And on and on.

How long it will be, and what tricks will be used, until the recounted recounts produce a result acceptable to Mugabe's men remains to be seen. What we do know is this: our government, previously an object of contempt and condemnation by the rest of the world, is now also a grim laughing-stock.

Comments

[Michael]

All I can say to the conduct of the ZANU PF officials in the aftermath of this clear defeat is 'Well theres a surprise' (note the sarcasm please)

[macpayne]

Michael, your note was not needed as an explanation. hi

Obviously, the Zanu PF people are concerned about their future. Likely, unlike those who are at the top, they do not have the massive Swiss bank accounts on which to retire in luxury. And, without doubt, they fear facing the retribution due them once they are no longer protected by the ones with the guns.

Have to admit, I'm surprised the initial recount confirmed the direction of the vote... and that the result was announced. Is the next step to replace the ZEC and then have a new vote? What do you think?

Maybe the next step is that Robert Mugabe will declare the entire country (sans the Zanu PF, of course) to be traitors?

Perhaps enough worthy people have prayed long enough and strong enough to effect the situation.

Anxiously awaiting, and fervently praying.

[macpayne]

OK, my mistake... the results weren't released... that info was leaked. So, Zanu PF is still in control, and the entire ZEC could disappear overnight... replaced by guess who. Voila! problem solved. Robert remains in power, Grace keeps her estate, and Zanu PF can take pride in a "job well done" commendation by the Devil himself.

But, we not done prayin'..... stay tuned.

[Michael]

The only thing I'm surprised at, for the moment at least, is that Mugabe hasn't declared a state of emergency and put the country under indefinite martial law.

Prayers will be answered, the only variables are when, how and who

[Dino]

I find your blog and This is Zimbabwe essential reading to really find out what's going on. Our many friends still in Zim also tell us much of what's happening and sadly they only confirm what you guys are telling us.

I find myself welling up in tears at the way this beautiful nation has been virtually destroyed by one desperate despot.

Please don't give up or give in to the thugs, you're doing a great job by telling the world about what's really going on.

[dwayne]

Hey democracy is not for any one man to manipulate and the international community should get involved to promote democracy. The ruling party should obey the will of the people and pack up. After so many years he should do the honourable thing and leave without costing the country more lives.

[Michael]

Unfortunately the words Honourable and Mugabe have never seemed to sit well together, and when said in the same breath they usually get peals of laughter and scorn.

The international community have proved that their involvement (unless they have plans of which we are not aware) is going to be more talks, discussions and time wasting ..... whats needed is international pressure, and the sorts of action that cannot be ignored in a political arena like Zimbabwes.