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'Mugabe Loses Presidential Seat'

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By Lee Shungu, on April 04 2008 13:36

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Zimbabwe is just a couple of moments away from what possibly could be a historical moment- the defeat of the country’s sole president since 1980, Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Outgoing Zimbabwe President Still Hesitant To Announce Presidential Elections Results

According to preliminary presidential vote counts by independent election bodies and respective Zimbabwean political parties, Mugabe lost the election to main rival, Morgan Tsvangirai of the opposition MDC, but however the nation is still uncertain if Mugabe will accept defeat, or will resort to other unknown means.

The much anticipated presidential results are expected to be announced anytime from mid-day, and many people are skeptical of the situation that will prevail soon after the announcement.

Most people are keeping fingers crossed as firms today (Friday) morning announced to employees and clients that they would close business by lunch time.

Though results have not yet been released, information that has already leaked from the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) also shows Tsvangirai outclassed the aging leader- who is by all means reported to be avoiding a run-off.

A Harare-based employee who spoke to The Zimbabwe Gazette said his employer fears there might be ‘noise’ after the presidential results announcement.

“The company bosses cited we might get trouble getting home after this ‘big’ event,” he said.

Mugabe is seeking a sixth term in office, and has vowed never to let go of power, especially to Tsvangirai whom he says serves the interests of the British and Americans. He has reportedly ordered the ZEC to delay the release of presidential election results, as he finds ways of evading eviction from the State House.

His generals, the army’s Constatine Chiwenga, Police chief Augustine Chihuri and Prisons chief, Paradzai Zimondi have echoed the same sentiments, supporting the 85 year-old leader vowing never to salute any opposition leader who wins the presidential election.

A political analyst said due to the late announcement of the presidential elections, it was not known what Mugabe was planning to do, hence the releasing of workers early on Friday.

“It is now the sixth day after the polls whilst it has been confirmed that Mugabe is power hungry and will do anything to stay in power.”

“This has been proved by his tone, and rigging he embarked on in the past election against Tsvangirai,” he said.

According to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Tsvangirai garnered 1 169 860 votes, Robert Mugabe 1 043 451 and Simba Makoni 169 636. The party says Tsvangirai has 50, 3 percent of the total Presidential vote and he has won the election with no need for a run-off.

Another Independent body confirmed Tsvangirai has 50, 3 percent of the votes, beating Mugabe who has 42, 9 percent. Independent candidate and former Finance Minister, Simba Makoni has 6, 8 percent.

The analyst said this is very possible because results of the elections were displayed on notice boards at the various polling centers across the country soon after the elections.

“The results included the Parliamentary, Senatorial and Presidential results.”

Reports also say though Tsvangirai beat Mugabe, his votes fall short of the legally required 50 percent plus, prompting a run-off.

ZANU PF Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga this week said the party was preparing for a runoff.

“What observers, election bodies and political parties did was to just take those results and compile them, for themselves.”

“What they are simply doing now is to compare their compilations, and the ZEC’s. It is difficult for Mugabe to rig now. Infact, to a larger extent, he won’t rig but has to just accept the outcome of the poll,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mugabe is also cited as trying to have the run off election in 90 days instead of the constitutional 21 days.

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Run Off

By: Born Free (Guest) on April 07 2008 12:52

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Run Off

By: Born Free (Guest ) on April 07 2008 12:52

The only run off we want is for Mugabe to run off.

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RE: Run Off To Where?

By: Mutabaruka Taibu (Guest) on April 05 2008 16:56

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RE: Run Off To Where?

By: Mutabaruka Taibu (Guest ) on April 05 2008 16:56

My understanding of run off is that presidential results have been announced. How can ZANU-PF go to a meeting to prepare for a run off, announce the run off before the results have been announced? How do we communicate important official issues..., buy using a ZANU-PF mouth piece the Herald or just by acting out a strategy for a run off? On what basis are they preparing for a run off? Agains who are they going to run off when the other party has not been notified?
Surelly I am really apalled by the silence of the SADC, and any other African bodies. Mbeki is dull and I repeat Mbeki is dull

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