Editorial

That a bad loser can hold the national to ransom in this manner demands international intervention.  This is no longer an internal matter. When people are being abused by the state machinery – the world cannot stand by and hide behind spurious respect for sovereignty, and a craven fear of being branded neo-colonialists.  

The people of Zimbabwe have done their utmost. They have spoken – through the ballot box as is their constitutional right and duty. Mugabe has refused to accept their verdict and unleashed a reign of terror.  Now it is the duty of the international community to do its duty and use all means possible to protect the people from their unrightful rulers.

That the world continues to insist that South African president Thabo Mbeki should bear sole responsibility for calling Mugabe to heel is unconscionable. Mbeki has made it patently clear during the past seven years, and never more so that in the past few weeks, that he is utterly complicit in Mugabe’s theft of the elections.

Mbeki said his goal was a Zimbabwean election that could not be contested. But now that Zanu (PF) is contesting it – he is quiet.

Zimbabweans used their vote to turn their backs on the cruel and unrepentant tyrant and his corrupt regime – despite considerable intimidation to do otherwise. The world must honour their decision.

We urge the peace-loving people of Zimbabwe to stand firm at this their darkest hour. They should not now allow themselves to be provoked by Mugabe’s vicious militia, who are spoiling for a fight. They must remain peaceful at all costs.

Their opponents are cowards – that is why they only move around in gangs, with arms.

We remind Zimbabweans that they have dealt the dictator a fatal blow. They need only stand firm now to the end.

We fully support the MDC’s decision to boycott any presidential run-off – because Morgan Tsvangirai won the first election hands down. But if people are forced, as they well might be, to go to the polls a second time, they must realise that the power is still in their hands. If possible, they should refuse to vote. But if they have to – they should spoil their papers – unmistakably.

Wordl

Sing to the LORD a new song,

       for he has done marvellous things;

       his right hand and his holy arm

       have worked salvation for him.

 The LORD has made his salvation known

       and revealed his righteousness to the nations. – Psalm 98:1-2