IF A SALUTE from the uniformed forces is a demonstration of where power lies, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was left in no doubt of his worth in Zimbabwe’s power sharing government.

Arriving for the 2011 budget statement by Tendai Biti at Parliament on Thursday, Tsvangirai was received by a female police officer who opened the door for him.

But almost immediately, the officer looked away as if attracted to something on the front passenger seat of the Prime Minister’s Mercedes.

Shortly after, however, the same officer, now with another female colleague, gives Vice President Joice Mujuru her undivided attention as she stands in salute.

Minutes later, President Robert Mugabe’s Mercedes limousine pulls in and the same officer opens the door and impeccably raises her hand to her cap.

A witness said: “It seemed like the officer had rehearsed her move with Tsvangirai. Her snub didn’t appear to register much with the Prime Minister who walked off and disappeared into the parliament building.”

Power games ... Vice President Mujuru is saluted by two police officers

Power ... Police officer who snubbed Tsvangirai raises her hand to her cap as Mugabe arrives

When Tsvangirai agreed to share power with President Mugabe in September 2008, top military commanders and police chiefs vowed not to salute him.

Tsvangirai’s MDC party has pointed to the military’s stance as a sign that the armed forces have thrown their lot with Mugabe’s Zanu PF party.

The MDC says security sector reforms are necessary before the country holds elections, which Mugabe has indicated could be held as early as June next year.