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The first numbers were promising for the MDC - three of three constituencies, and a vote for the MDC between 66% and 83%. Later, more and more Zanu-PF constituencies have been counted, slowly turning the tide in favour of Zanu-PF.
Urban-rural difference The trends so far have been generally positive for the MDC in more urban areas. In Bulawayo, were all the constituencies have been counted, the MDC won eight out of eight candidates. All were won with a comfortable margin, Mr. Ncube in the Bulawayo North constituency even winning 87% of the votes. In Harare, the MDC so far has won all the counted constituencies (8 of a total of 19). Also here, the victory significant, all MDC candidates so far gaining around 80% of the votes.
Zanu-PF victory so far is clear in the more rural districts of Mashonaland. There are 34 constituencies in the three provinces of Mashonaland. So far 19 of them have been counted and the government party has won 17 of them. Victory is not that clear in most of the constituencies and ranges between 50% and 75%. Mashonaland has also been an area of massive intimidation.
The numbers
As the results are ticking in, so did reactions from MDC followers, parties, observers and foreign governments. The first encouraging results made MDC followers cheer in the streets, demonstrating belief in their victory. MDC spokesmen also felt freer to comment on Mugabe's insinuations to name a minority Zanu-PF government in case of an MDC victory, and reminded the president of the fate of Romania's ex-dictator Ceausescu, which was killed in popular risings. There was also spoken of arranging presidential elections in few months (regular presidential elections are to be in 2002).
Also the world has reacted to the Zimbabwean elections, which must be the African electoral process which has gained most mass media and public interest throughout history. The elections have been headline news in most of the world. Thus, reactions have come throughout the process, the condemnation of Mugabe and the intimidation dominating. Many Western countries have already cut their aid to Zimbabwe to a minimum and are threatening to cut even more. The European Union (EU) awaits the official report of their observers and plans further cuts if this report verifies the intimidation which has been reported in the media or if Mugabe does not pave for changes.
However, the votes must still be counted. But further reactions are sure to be on their way however the final result will be. No one considers the electoral campaign to have been free and fair.
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afrol.com, 27 June -
At midnight, the count has become a thriller between the Zanu-PF and the
MDC. At present, the MDC has won 30 of the 62 counted constituencies
(48%), while Zanu-PF and others have won 32 (52%). There are still 58
constituencies to be counted.