Zimbabwe all out to avoid run-off

Zimbabwean voters will be all out to ensure that their presidential candidate wins an outright victory in today’s elections to avoid a run-off to avert a repeat of the violence that engulfed the country in the 2008 presidential elections run-off.

The first round of the 2008 elections was one of the freest with the then opposition Movement for Democratic Change being allowed to screen its “Morgan is More” adverts on national television and each party contesting the elections being given airtime.

But it was the run-off that was marred by violence which left 180 people dead after it became apparent that Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front leader Robert Mugabe had lost.

Mugabe himself wanted to step down but according to cables released by Wikileaks he was told by his lieutenants to stay put.

Mugabe yesterday assured the nation that he would step down if he is defeated. But this was more of a statement from someone who was quite certain he would win and even offered a hand of reconciliation to his arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai.

Likening today’s elections and the election campaign itself to a boxing match, Mugabe said: “I’ve got my fair share of criticisms and also dealt back rights and lefts and upper cuts. But that’s the game…..Although we boxed each other, it’s not as hostile as before. It’s all over now. We can shake hands.”

This was interpreted as a sign that Mugabe was no longer sure of victory in today’s elections but it was reminiscent of his stance in 1980 when he won 71 percent of the vote but went on to form a government of national unity which included his arch-enemies from the Rhodesian Front.

According to one observer, this was a clear sign that Mugabe was now all out to clean up his image and have a noble exit. By bringing in his rivals into government, Mugabe would have robbed the West of its remaining weapon- that of continuing to seek regime change if he wins..

But for the voters, they will not be taking any chances. Although there are four candidates contesting the presidential elections, including Welshman Ncube and Dumiso Dabengwa, the real battle is between Tsvangirai and Mugabe with the other two candidates being regarded as mere spoilers.

The fifth candidate, Kisinoti Mukwazhe of the Zimbabwe Democratic Party, has pulled out.

But in their quest to secure an outright victory for their candidate, there are two possible outcomes.

Either Tsvangirai or Mugabe will secure an outright victory, but if it is a Mugabe victory this will be attributed to rigging which has been the song all along.

Or, the results would be too close to call necessitating a run off.

Or if again, Mugabe wins a narrow victory of 50 percent plus one vote, this will spark a series of legal challenges from the MDC.

The only person who can win without any challenges is Tsvangirai, who has played victim throughout the campaign. His victory will be welcomed as a triumph against all odds.

Though five years have gone by since the last elections, the violence that engulfed the country in the run-up to the 2008 presidential elections run-off is still fresh in the minds of most Zimbabweans. They would not like a repeat.

Though there are some people that are bitter and have vowed that they will never forgive Mugabe for the violence that cost their relatives their lives- the vast majority are likely to vote for peace and security. And the only candidate who can guarantee that is Mugabe. After all the reason why most wanted him out in the first place- the economy- is back on track.

On the other hand, a Mugabe victory will mean the end of Tsvangirai’s political career. More importantly, a Mugabe victory could see another split within the Tsvangirai faction of the MDC unless he immediately steps down after the defeat.

(34 VIEWS)