by Barry Marcus

Created on: August 12, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

Crisis? What Crisis?

Zimbabwe had a long journey to escape colonialism. As the British looked likely to pull out in the early sixties, Ian Smith took control with his Unilateral Declaration of Independence.
Two main liberation movements emerged fought for many years against the white government. A brutal war lasted many years but ended with a new constitution and a new government in 1980.

The tow movements were Zanu and Zapu led by Rogert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo respectively. The two organisations had formed a coalition before independence and the Patriotic Front was thus named. But after 1980 with Zanu receiving a majority of the votes, Zapu was brutally suppressed. Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF were established as the ruling party.

Many in the west lauded the new democracy, and the government's actions were seen to be largely pragmatic. But as time passed, dissatisfaction began emerging amongst the populace. Young Zimbabweans were unhappy that most of the land remained in the hands of white farmers. In exchange fore their support, Mugabe promised the young War Veterans (Most were too young to have fought in the war) land. Farms were brutally seized from white farmers and the farm labourers were driven away. The land was not cultivated or worked but allowed to go to rack and ruin.

Suppression of opposition intensified as the Zimbabwean economy went from bad to worse. Elections were accompanied by intense intimidation amidst reports of widespread vote-rigging.

Thabo Mbeki tried to play a part in influencing the Zimbabwean government to return to democracy. Silent Diplomacy was the means employed.

The March 2008 election was held under quite peaceful conditions compared to its predecessors. This was largely attributed to Mbeki's intervention. While not exactly free and fair these were the freest in years, and the opposition MDC scored a majority of seats in parliament. Morgan Tsvangirai received more votes in the simultaneous presidential election but was denied the 50 % plus one vote required to take-up the presidency. The election results were delayed by weeks - presumably by the government that was still seeking ways to steal the election.

Without the 50% + 1, Tsvangirai had no clear right to the presidency, but a run-off should have been held within 21 days.

Mugabe decided the a run-off was required. Suppression of the opposition was intensified, and MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) members were beaten, tortured and murdered for having cast an "incorrect" vote. Mugabe

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