Zimbabwe
is on the verge of something terrible. It has been reported by the BBC
that "At least 80 Zimbabwean opposition activists have been assaulted by
pro-government militants in different parts of the country. The opposition says
the alleged assaults took place in the eastern province
of Manicaland
and Matabeleland
in the west."
By delaying the release of results and demanding a run-off
Robert Mugabe has pushed his country close to experiencing the kind of
bloodshed and needless violence we saw in Kenya
earlier this year. In doing this he has shown that he is no longer fit to lead.
He is putting his own power lust above the needs of his people and so must now
bow out. Reports indicate that violence in rural areas is being targeted at
those people there who support the opposition. This kind of tactic has no place
in a democracy and those who would order their followers to engage in it are
not democrats. As if more evidence of this anti-democratic mindset were needed,
President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF has demanded a recount of the vote, while
police have arrested at least seven election officials, accused of
under-counting votes cast for Zimbabwe's
long-time leader. Intimidation, fear and violence are all the hallmarks of a
dictatorship, which is now what Zimbabwe
is beginning to look like.
MDC
Secretary General Tendai Biti has urged the international community and African
leaders in particular, to press Mr Mugabe to accept defeat, saying otherwise
there could be "bloodshed".
"They want to see dead bodies before they send Kofi Annan,"
he said, referring to recent violence over disputed elections in Kenya.
Unfortunately this may be true. Pressure must be stepped up on the Zimbabwean
leader to accept the results of the election and embrace democracy. African
leaders must put pressure on Mugabe to adhere to democratic principles and
spare his people any more suffering. Time is ticking away for the people of Zimbabwe
as tensions are rising fast. This is why fast action and clear talking are
needed.
One man is attempting to cling to power. He has even been
experiencing waning support in his own party in recent times. His presidency is
in its death throes. Unfortunately it may drag the peace of the people of Zimbabwe
with it.
