Tensions as Zimbabwe delays poll results

Tensions as Zimbabwe delays poll results

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By Lebo Nkatazo

THE head of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), under pressure to announce results of Saturday’s general elections, faced up to an impatient press pack and told them: “I’m as anxious as you are to know the outcome of the election.”

George Chiweshe was under mounting public pressure late Sunday to announce results of the elections which the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says will show it beating President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF party.

There were spontaneous street celebrations in some suburbs of the capital Harare after partial results posted outside polling stations showed the MDC safely in the lead, but no-one expected Zanu PF to win there.

In Mabvuku, a poor working class township in Harare, dozens of youths poured into the streets chanting MDC slogans and carrying a dummy card-board coffin with the words ‘R.I.P Zanu PF’ on it.

President Mugabe, in power for 28 years, faces the real prospect of defeat to his chief nemesis, Morgan Tsvangirai, according to some analysts.

The MDC claimed earlier Sunday that several cabinet ministers had lost their seats to its candidates – including in areas which traditionally vote overwhelmingly for the 84-year-old Mugabe.

But the ZEC warned the party against making “premature” election calls, fearing that may raise false hopes for impatient opposition supporters and heighten tensions.

Noel Kututwa, the chairman of the independent election monitoring body, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, said: “Clearly the delay is fuelling speculation that something might be going on.

"The announcement of results in a timely, transparent and accountable manner helps reduce tensions following any election."

Marwick Khumalo, the head of Pan-African Parliament observer mission said: “I have no doubt that the large part, if not all, results are known. It is frustrating.”

But Chiweshe, asked by journalists when results would be ready, said: “These are four elections, we have never held four elections before so we don’t know how long it is going to take us this time.”

Zimbabweans were voting in elections for councillors, senators, parliamentarians and president – the first time the four elections have been held together.

A weak economy and growing exasperation at government failure to tackle corruption and growing poverty have puffed up public support for an opposition that is promising swift recovery.
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