Mugabe said to be 'close to stepping down'

[The Trinity Politick]

In what will be seen as a great day for democracy and the people of Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe appears close to accepting his defeat. His Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party appears to be losing slightly also in the parliamentary elections to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the MDC has already declared victory. It is rumoured that a run-off result is however preferable for Tsvangirai as it gives his party time to coalesce and negotiate with Zimbabwe’s military, central intelligence organization and the country’s prisons chief. The army have said before the election that they will not support anyone but Mugabe. The African Union has attacked this declaration.

A run-off must be held within 22 days of the result being officially declared.


Link to the New York Times

[HanleyS]

Bertie is also said to be 'close to stepping down'.

Maybe they could have a joint party.

[Riadach]

This better not be an april fool's joke.

If it's true, I'm exhilarated. However, I have a feeling blood will be spilt before a transition takes place.

[Aindriu]

Stepping down? The bastard should be put down like the dog he is.

[agoodud]

Bertie is also said to be 'close to stepping down'.

Maybe they could have a joint party.

HA!

[The Trinity Politick]

This better not be an april fool's joke.

If it's true, I'm exhilarated. However, I have a feeling blood will be spilt before a transition takes place.

Its not funny to joke about this situation in fairness.

I would say Mugabe knows he has already lost. They did try to rig the vote, but there is only so much rigging you can reasonably do. You can't disguise a landslide for the other side.

Morgan Tsvangirai needs time to allow the transition to take place. A run off election in 20 days or so would give him that time.

Mugabe deserves the harshest treatment imaginable. If he can be tried for crimes against humanity he should be.

[EvotingMachine0197]

Good stuff. The military have the potential to be very troublesome still.
Whats meant by run off result. I don't understand that bit.

[returning officer]

Good stuff. The military have the potential to be very troublesome still.
Whats meant by run off result. I don't understand that bit.

Its like Nice II - the people (or at least their votes which count) will get it right the second time round.

[geraghd]

Double Post

[Thac0man]

Mugabe step down? On the verge of a historic victory? Not on your nelly.