27.Apr.2008 
                           

President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe's party, ZANU-PF failed to regain even after the partial recount of parliamentary elections. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) yesterday announced results from 18 constituencies and none of the results were overturning the earlier position of MDC leading.

This destroyed all hopes of ZANU-PF regaining the majority in parliament which they have enjoyed since independence. Many in the ruling party are seeing their hopes of clinging to power fading and in case of a re-run which is very likely, they do not see any hope of victory.

The widespread hunger in Zimbabwe and the massive arrests of opposition activities will only favor MDC more than ZANU-PF. One way of avoiding bloodshed is that both parties should agree to form a government of National Unity. The political situation in Zimbabwe is unpredictable.

There could be a run-off which Morgan could easily reject to be part of leaving the authorities with no choice but to declare Mr. Mugabe the winner. This will be a political stalemate.

US Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer, touring the region to tackle the post-election crisis, said the level of government intimidation in Zimbabwe was now so high that a fair run-off would not be possible.

She said the only solution was an inclusive government, led by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. Zimbabwe Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa called her comments "patently false, inflammatory, irresponsible and uncalled-for".

Meanwhile there was a Chinese ship with cargo to Zimbabwe but since most of this cargo comprised of ammunitions and bearing in mind that the political situation in Zimbabwe is tense, the ship was not allowed to offload that cargo. It was alleged the ZANU-PF could use these arms to suppress the opposition.