The people of Zimbabwe have certainly spoken, although Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials continue to sit on the results.
The results of Saturday's potentially life-changing elections in Zimbabwe still haven't officially been released to the public. And the delay is causing more controversy than the election itself, as Zimbabweans anxiously await the pending make-or-break announcement.
Speculation surrounding the behind-the-scenes vote tabulation drones
on, and many continue to accuse Mugabe of rigging the election.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the election was stolen again (he
rigged the election in 2000), but this time it will be much more
difficult for Mugabe to get away with it as the number of those
opposing his political domination climbs. No doubt, a post-election,
Kenyanesque outburst will ensue should Mugabe's tirade continue.
Riot
police have been instructed to arrest anyone caught celebrating in the
streets--or even speaking publicly of a victory--ahead of official
election results. Those are rather austere threats for a country
currently in turmoil, left with unanswered questions and an uncertain
future.
Even US White House officials expressed concern yesterday regarding the delayed results, urging the ZEC to put aside partisan sympathies, count each vote honestly and release the results in a more timely manner.
Haven't the Zimbabwean people suffered enough under Mugabe's rule? There have been countless instances in which the will of Zimbabweans has been foiled. And this long-lasting delay is only another example of Mugabe's relentlessness.
Mugabe has disgraced Zimbabwe, its people and its economy long enough. It's time for a new regime to step in and help this ailing country rise from the ashes. Let's just hope the "official" results are an authentic outcome of the people's true will, not a fallacious tally concocted by Mugabe's accomplices.
I'll have more on this story as it unfolds.
