Delay in election result feeds rumour mill

By Lance Guma
31 March 2008

Opposition and independent pressure groups have accused Zanu PF and Robert Mugabe of trying to stage manage a ‘controlled explosion’ by announcing results in batches. At the time of going to air the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had announced results for 38 constituencies and these showed Zanu PF and the MDC tied on 19 seats each. Analysts immediately criticised the move saying it was suspicious that the results could be neck and neck.

Noel Kututwa, who heads the independent Zimbabwe Election Support Network, says they are concerned about the slow pace of the result announcements. ‘Clearly the delay is fuelling speculation that something might be going on,’ he said. Various stories are already snaking their way into the public realm with suggestions Zanu PF will concede losing the parliamentary election, but somehow cook the figures for the all important presidential race.

Other websites have said security chiefs drawn from the army, police, prison and CIO have met Mugabe twice from Sunday through to Monday. Although they are said to have told Mugabe to accept the result on Sunday, the mood changed on Monday and they are now said to be trying to secure a dignified exit for Mugabe or an outright declaration he is the winner. All the reports are speculation but this has created a tense atmosphere in the country.

MDC supporters around Zimbabwe know whether their candidates have won or not because results were posted on notice boards in the constituencies. This knowledge and ZEC’s delay have added to their frustrations.