11.May.2008

Zimbabwe's MDC for Runoff - On March 29, 2008 voters in Zimbabwe went for polls in the Presidential, parliamentary, local and senate council elections in which MDC announced that they had won even before an official release of the results. This was based on the tallies of the results which were posted outside polling stations.

Independent monitors came up with results that indicated that much as MDC's leader, Morgan Tsvangirai had won they were both below the 50% margin and for one to be declared winner you need 50% and one vote to avoid a runoff. The Electoral commission of Zimbabwe released parliamentary results a week later which made MDC plus its allies secure a majority in the 210 seat house. The ruling party rejected results in 23 constituencies of which a recount was done and the results did not reflect much change.

On May 2, 2008 the official results are released and the MDC has 47.9 against ZANU-PF's 43.2 implying that none of them got 50% and according to the Zimbabwe law, that means a recount. If Morgan had not participated in the runoff this would by default make ZANU-PF leader the President of Zimbabwe.

Morgan has announced that he will take part in the runoff against Mr.Mugabe and his supporters have assured him of the support. ''I am ready, the people are ready,'' Tsvangirai said from South Africa.''I intend to return as shortly as possible and intend to begin a victory tour.''

However the Head of the Electoral commission has said the runoff cannot take place in the stipulated 21 days from May 02, 2008. Electoral commission officials are saying ZEC has up to a year to hold a run off while the MDC leader is saying the runoff should be held in the 21 days.

Over 20 people have died, 40,000 farm workers displaced and at least 800 tortured in post election violence. This is aimed at preventing them from voting in the runoff.