The situation in Zimbabwe today is like what it was in Kenya after the presidential polls were held. The political air is pregnant with rumours and many possibilities are being bandied about. What has caused this suspense is that the election commission of the country is dilly-dallying about declaring the results. But what ever results that are available of the parliamentary polls it seems clear that the opposition MDC has the lead. Some say the MDC presidential candidate Tsvangirai is leading over Mugabe.

There were rumours earlier that Mugabe’s aides were in secret talks with Tsvangirai to work out some kind of deal. But these rumours are being strongly denied by both the parties. I think that some deal has been reached and that the talks happened. Maybe Mugabe’s aides were fearful that an open declaration of Mugabe’s loss would cause an upheaval in the country. The idea is to get the best deal for Mugabe and then declare the results.

Some say that Tsvangirai hasn’t got the magical figure of 51% of the votes. That means that there will be a run-off after three weeks to decide the winner. If Mugabe is losing badly, he would at least want an assurance from the MDC leader that he would not be tried in a court of law and his property would not be touched. Also that he would not be humiliated by the new regime. One hopes that is what has really happened.

The other possibilities mean trouble for Zimbabwe. If Mugabe tries to rig the results, either to get himself declared the winner or get one of his men as the president, there is every likelihood of another ‘Kenya’ happening.

Whatever happens I do not think Mugabe is going to flee to another country to save his skin. The ignominy would be unbearable for him.

Source: BBC, Al Jazeera210778