Zimbabwe Elections Collapse

More problems for the poor people of Zimbabwe as opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pulled out of the runoff with dictator Robert Mugabe. His decision was based on some very real fears that supporters would be murdered as they went to the polls. Over the last couple of weeks Mugabe supporters have been killing opposition leaders and supporters.

While Tsvangirai’s decision is disappointing it is understandable. Most outside observers think he won the first vote but had the victory stolen from him by fraud and there were expectations that the same could happen this time. Faced with the possibility of hundreds or even thousands of people dying, he made a tough call.

Since taking absolute power almost 30 years ago, Mugabe has been one of the most brutal dictators on a continent plagued by them. When he first came into office he was widely praised, particularly by those on the political left. Initially a committed Marxist he pledged to bring equality to the people.

Instead he has spent his reign murdering and torturing almost anyone who dared to oppose him. The health care system has collapsed and the nation is plagued by AIDS. The economy is even worse, with an estimated inflation rate of over 150,000 percent !

 His habit of rigging elections has led to sanctions but little else and it now appears he will remain in power for years to come. One can only hope that the world community will stand up and force him from power, but this seems unlikely.