Tsvangirai Withdraws from Election
By Marnie Suss
June 23, 2008 | Printer Friendly

Zimbabwe’s MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pulled out of the June 27 run-off election due to increasing violence and intimidation by the Mugabe government. The Times reports that Tsvangirai said, “Given the totality of [the violence and intimidation] we believe a credible election, which reflects the will of the people, is impossible. The militia, war veterans and Mugabe himself have made it clear that anyone that votes for me in the coming election faces a very real possibility of being killed. We in the Movement for Democratic Change can not ask them to cast their vote on June 27 when that vote will cost them their life. Therefore, we in the MDC have resolved that we will no longer participate in this violent, illegitimate sham of an election process.”

Tsvangirai’s announcement was in response to a violent attack on MDC supporters at a rally by the Zanu-PF youth militia. Tsvangirai told The Times, “The violent nature of the regime now knows no boundaries, even election observers are now targets of the brutality.” Intimidation and violence is not new to Tsvangirai’s campaign. The Times reports that violence has led to Tsvangirai arrest five times, at least 86 supporters have been killed, more than 20,000 houses destroyed, thousands of people injured and more than 200,000 displaced.

However, Mugabe’s government charges that violence is not the reason for Tsvangirai’s withdrawal. The BBC reports Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said Tsvangirai’s withdrawal is due to the “fear of humiliation” by defeat in the run-off election. Tsvangirai maintains his reason for pulling out of the election is to stop the violence.

Some fear Tsvangirai’s decision to withdraw will be viewed as submitting to Mugabe’s power. But Tsvangirai said, “Now, more than ever, the region and the continent need to send a clear message to the Mugabe regime that violence is unacceptable and the will of the people of Zimbabwe must be respected,” as reported by The Times. International response has been quick to criticize the situation in Zimbabwe and Mugabe’s government. The Times reports Britain and Australia classify the government as “illegitimate” and the United States said it would “bring the issue before the United Nations Security Council.” White House spokesman Carlton Carroll said in a statement. "Mugabe cannot be allowed to repress the Zimbabwean people forever."

Secretary Condoleezza Rice released a statement saying the “US condemns in the strongest terms the Government of Zimbabwe's continuing campaign of violence against its own people. It is abundantly clear that Mugabe is determined to thwart the will of the people of Zimbabwe as so clearly expressed on March 29. We call upon the Southern African Development Community, African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council to take up this issue immediately.” In addition, the African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping “voiced ‘grave concern’ over the opposition’s move as well as violence ahead of the vote.”

According to Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu the run-off election will still take place on June 27 in accordance with the Constitution.

References:

The Times: Tsvangirai out

The Times: Zimbabwe police raid MDC headquarters

Department of State: Crisis in Zimbabwe

BBC: Zimbabwean elections to go ahead