MDC Supporters

Advisers of President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai are discussing the possibility of Zimbabwe's longtime leader relinquishing power, a reliable source can confirm. There are even speculations that the opposition is undergoing talks with the military and security officials to work out an exit plan and power hand over from one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, Mr. Mugabe.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) declined to discuss details of contacts with the military. But one party source said that the MDC was in touch with senior officers, which shows that support for Mugabe within the ruling Zanu-PF is beginning to erode after the shock of what appears to be a comprehensive defeat in Saturday's presidential and parliamentary elections.

Reuters reported earlier that a Zanu (PF) projection suggested that Mr. Tsvangirai would end up with 48.3 per cent of the vote from Saturday's presidential election. Mr. Mugabe had won 43 per cent of the votes cast while Simba Makoni, a defector from the ruling party, had taken 8 per cent. A presidential candidate needs at least 50% plus one vote to avoid a runoff.

The results of the parliamentary vote are still only trickling out, prompting accusations that the 84-year-old Zimbabwe leader is trying to rig elections by prolonging the announcement of the much awaited Presidential Results.

Results have been declared in only 131 of the 210 parliamentary constituencies. Zanu (PF) has a narrow lead of two seats over the MDC. Six others went to a breakaway faction of the MDC. Three government ministers have lost their seats.

---

Share This Story On:

Average user rating