I continue to keep a watching eye on events in Zimbabwe. But I have been quiet today as I am exhausted. For the last week, I have done little else except follow the elections in Zimbabwe - and try to keep you all informed - and it is now time to pay the piper.

Firstly, the war veterans have apparently marched through the city of Harare from the ZANU PF headquarters in Rotten Row - in a statement of intent against the opposition party, the MDC.

Do the war veterans not have to give 3 days notice of their intention to march to the police? The law was signed not that long ago by their illustrious leader! But the law obviously doesn’t apply to those that represent ZANU PF.

Secondly, Mugabe has indicated that he will go ahead with a second round in the Presidential election - a straight two-way fight between Tsvangirai and Mugabe. Mugabe has the power to extend the dates from 21 days to 90 days. But, to this best of my knowledge, he hasn’t declared that. But 21 days - what happens in the interim? Who runs the country? Which government?

Think of it along these lines. Patrick Chinamasa is/was the Minister of Justice. He lost his seat in the election. Who will be the Minister of Justice until the Presidential election is resolved? Chinamasa? Isn’t that extending the rule of people who are not the choice of the population?

Thirdly, and lastly - for today at any rate - I refuse to refer to the MDC as the ‘ruling party’ once they take over. Mainly because the phrase carries with it too many memories of the Mugabe reign and his destructive government.

When the MDC takes over, and while they are in control, I will refer to them as the ‘party of choice‘ - because that is what they are!

Take care.

‘debvhu