The elections were held on March 29 in Zimbabwe and it is now almost one whole month since then and no one still knows what the results of the presidential elections were. Surely it does not take one month to count and verify results? It does not take a brain surgeon to see that Mugabe clearly lost the vote and in delaying the release of the results he and his government are figuring out a way to rig the poll so that they stay in power.

Unconfirmed reports today say that the presidential results have now been released and the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai won 47% of the vote with Mugabe winning 43%. If this is accurate then it means that there will be a run-off election as neither would have won by more than 50% which is what is required to be the president. I personally do not think this 47% - 43% result is correct and I think Tsvangirai may have won this vote out-right by more than 50%. The 47%-43% result can only benefit Mugabe as he now has a second chance to make sure he wins the vote. He will do all he can to make sure he wins a run-off election even if it means using violence to intimidate people.

If you look at the tactic of using violence, it surely can not be to get people to vote for you. If you hit someone, they are surely not going to vote for you therefore the violent tactic is not to win votes but instead to get people not to even go to the polls. If I am beaten up I will physically not be able to go vote at the polls. That maybe the tactic Mugabe is looking to use. In terms of tactics for Tsvangirai, he is very limited in what he can do besides just relying on the vote being free and fair. If the people’s true vote is heard then it is a no brainer that Tsvangirai will be Zimbabwe’s next president. But chances of this run-off being free and fair are slim.

These elections should have ended a long time ago and by now Zimbabwe should have a new president but it looks like there will be no way of getting Mugabe out of power through a vote. Mugabe may want to concede defeat and step down but those around him will never allow it to happen and that is why we see the current situation being what it is. Those around Mugabe know that if a new president comes into power they will loose all the power and control they have and they face being prosecuted for the crimes they committed in the past.

I guess it is now just a matter of continuing to wait and see what happens in Zimbabwe. My only hope is that violence does not erupt in the country and lives are lost all because of the stubbornness of Mugabe.

Subscribe

Sign-up to receive the latest updates from InTheNews.co.za to your mailbox

Loading ...