Zimbabwe Election 2008

Guide Note

Zimbabwe held an election on March 29, 2008. Voters had 12 hours to cast their vote for incumbent president, Robert Mugabe, independent candidate Simba Makoni or Movement for Democratic Change candidate Morgan Tsvangirai. Leading up to the election, opposition candidates expressed concerns that Mugabe would not allow the elections to be free and fair and many feared that violence would break out. However, the election day itself proved to be largely peaceful.

Opposition victory

On Monday, March 31, the Movement for Democratic Change claimed a substantial victory. However, on April 1, it was announced by the Mugabe campaign that, while Morgan Tsvangirai had defeated Robert Mugabe, he did not have enough votes for an all out victory. On April 2, it was announced that Tsvangirai received 49% of the vote to Mugabe's 42%, with more votes to be counted. On April 3, it was announced that Mugabe's party lost control of the parliament, the first time this had happened in 28 years since independence. This result was contested, and verified, by a drawn out recount.

Claims of vote rigging

Robert Mugabe has been accused of adding ghost voters to the electoral roll. These allegations come after an order was placed for 9 million ballot papers. Zimbabwe has 5.9 million people eligible to vote. Critics also point out that the majority of polling stations were positioned in Mugabe strongholds.

Arrests and crackdowns

Following his party's loss in the parliament, Mugabe initiated a series of arrests widely viewed as a crackdown in preparation of reinforcing his rule. The MDC party of Morgan Tsvangirai claims that over 200 of its activists have been arrested and 15 killed in post election violence.

Still no result

Despite a completed recount, official election results have yet to be released. Robert Mugabe has been criticized of stalling and manipulating the electoral system to change the final result. Despite condemnation from within Zimbabwe and from around the world, Mugabe does not appear to be making any move to release the results, or provide any degree of transparency to how they were counted. Meanwhile, at least 450 beatings, one death and about 1,000 displaced people have been reported as the result of post-election violence.

Fast Facts

  1. Results have been recounted, reportedly confirming a MDC victory
  2. Official results are still outstanding
  3. Reportedly, 15 MDC supporters have been killed and over 200 arrested
  4. At least 450 beatings, one death, and about 1,000 displaced people have been reported
  5. A bomb exploded in Bulawayo, an opposition stronghold
  6. Winning candidate needs more than 50% of the vote
  7. Second round election if no candidate achieves 50%

Mugabe Facts
  1. Candidate for Zimbabwe African National Union—Patriotic Front
  2. Gained power in 1980
  3. Seeking sixth term in office
  4. Mugabe: "Why should I cheat? The people are there supporting us."

Tsvangirai Facts
  1. Tsvangirai: "It's now time to give Mugabe a red card and his pension"
  2. Proposes 2 term limits of 5 years for Zimbabawe's presidents
  3. Tsvangirai on pursuing Mugabe's crimes: "I am not vindictive"

Makoni Facts
  1. Running as an independent candidate
  2. Former finance minister of Zimbabwe
  3. Criticized for breaking from the ZANU-PF to run on his own

The Mahalo Top 7

  1. BBC News: Zimbabwe Parties to Check Results (April 28, 2008)
  2. VOA News: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Zimbabwe Nears Verdict (April 28, 2008)
  3. New York Times: Signs of Attacks on Zimbabwe’s Opposition (April 28, 2008)
  4. BBC News: Q&A: Zimbabwe Elections (April 14, 2008)
  5. Guardian Unlimited: Interactive Guide—Zimbabwe: A History  Michael: Very useful background
  6. YouTube Video: What are the Hopes For African Democracy (Time: 7:20)
  7. YouTube Video: 'Ghost voters' haunt Zimbabwe election (Time: 6:31)


Zimbabwe Election 2008 News

Recount Results

Two Party Talks

Legal Action

Mugabe Response

Opposition Response

International Response

South African Involvement

Strikes and Protests

Violence and Arrests

Journalist Arrests

Parliament Results

Mugabe Resignation Talks

Zimbabwe Election Runoff

Election Results

Election Results Delay

Accusations of Election Rigging

Voter Intimidation

Zimbabwe Election 2008 Background

Zimbabwe Election 2008 Videos and Images

Zimbabwe Election 2008 Presidential Candidates

Robert Mugabe

Simba Makoni

Morgan Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe Election 2008 Blogs and Commentaries

Related Searches

Zimbabwe Runoff Election 2008 | Zimbabwe | Robert Mugabe | Simba Makoni | Ian Smith | Morgan Tsvangirai | Movement for Democratic Change | Barry Bearak