Zim's One Man Election Runoff

As you may know, today is runoff election day in Zimbabwe. While the situation is fluid and clear results are unlikely in the near term, I have compiled some links that shed much needed light on what is a catastrophic crisis for the people of Zimbabwe.

Early reports from inside Zimbabwe indicate that MDC supporters are staying away from the polls, though many worry that as the day wears on, ZANU-PF will begin forcing people to vote.

The AP confirms that this is indeed the case.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who announced he would not contest the runoff against Robert Mugabe, is urging his supporters to vote for the president's party rather than risk their personal safety.

This in contrast to the official state newspaper, The Herald, which is predicting "Massive Voter Turnout" as "ZANU-PF Gears for Victory."

Here the Zimbabwe police force claims to have caught MDC arsonists at work sabotaging polling sites. Though not in Mugabe's neighborhood, apparently.

Finally, have a look at Mugabe's calling card - a 20 minute video featuring hidden camera interviews with MDC activists and victims of torture (contains some graphic images). This is the most complete accounting of the brutality and violence perpetrated by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe's enforcers.

photo of Morgan Tsvangirai campaign poster by frontlineblogger