Zimbabwe elections: Mugabe to concede defeat?

Zimbabwe elections: Mugabe to concede defeat?

news.bbc.co.uk

The outline of a deal has almost been reached for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to step down, opposition sources have told the BBC.

They say that representatives of Mr Mugabe, Zimbabwe's military chiefs and the opposition have held meetings chaired by South Africa's president.

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Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
Should we go to war if Mugabe is voted back in?

Now this is the result I least expected, assuming it's true. I thought Mugabe would've clung on to the end until he either died or was forced out of power/assassinated.

It seems he realises he has no choice left, though I strongly suspect the deal will include amnesty for him and his key lieutenants. This could be the beginning of a new era for Zimbabwe.

news.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Was about to post this.

This is great news! All British members, from PTS, are fully aware about the amount of time and effort I've given to Zimbabwe. The countless letters I've sent to Parliament and to the European Parliament. My petition to the British Prime Minister as well.

From what I've heard, this is the real deal. He is going. Probably doing a deal to make sure he is not sent to the Hague to face crimes against humanity (which he should face), South Africa will probably take him into exile.

Not everyday you see the end of a tyrant.

Countless people have died and suffered under Mugabe, even though this moment is joyful for us we must not forget those who are not here because of that man

Above all, this victory (if true) is for the people of Zimbabwe.

Excellent news! This is a great day for the PEOPLE of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia though I will admit that its a shame that he probably wont face justice for his crimes.

reply to post by ChrisF231


I agree he should, but if giving him amnesty is necessary to ensure a peaceful transition then I think it should be accepted. Putting millions through further misery just to punish Mugabe would be wrong, and would be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Mugabe is a tinpot dictator and has ruined what was once one of the most productive states in southern Africa. What every free nation in the world needs to do now is to rally round and provide support to the new MDC government - political, diplomatic and economic - so that Zimbabweans see the true benefits of living in a free society.

However, I'm not getting too excited just yet - there is still time for something bad to happen.

[edit on 1/4/08 by Ste2652]

South Africa do not want him in power anymore in fear of what the international community might do when South Africa hosts the World Cup in 2010.

Africa does not want a boycott, there have been calls, so it seems they will give Mugabe a home if he steps down as dictator.

An update

US embassy in Harare said President Mugabe was expected to address the people of Zimbabwe shortly.

I got my fingers crossed, I almost dont want to get excited about this yet in case,

But gosh what a day for the African people if he gets outed! Hopefully it can only bring good changes,

Western diplomats had been summoned to a meeting with the government, the embassy told the BBC.

This could be the end of Mugabe, MDC are confirming a deal is being made for him to stand down.

Zanu PF, his political party, have said all speculation should be ignored but the MDC said a deal has been a done.

However, as I've said, diplomats are have been sent for by the the Mugabe government.

Just in;

AFP: Officials say Mugabe ready to step down.

You can bet what ever happened is a con, like all democratic elections.

Socalism is everywhere, with the delusion of choice.

MDC are giving a press conference as we speak.

He must be leaving, the MDC were allowed to broadcast the press conference on state media That's a first.

Originally posted by infinite
That's a first.

April fools day, sums the situation up, lol.

reply to post by andy1033


You mean socialism?

Anyways, back to topic..

Asala is right, we should hope this is going to be the real change the people of Zimbabwe deserve

Forgive my rather pessimistic view on things. The only reason he's even contemplating stepping down is because there is nothing left to steal, and he's done all the damage he can...

I really hope I'm wrong, I'd like to see a peaceful transfer of power in Zimbabwe, an example for the rest of Africa to follow. In a perfect world, that's how it would work. Unfortunately, this is the world we live in, I'll believe it when I see it.

reply to post by seagull


No, I think you are right.

The country is dead and if he continued, Zimbabwe will probably fall into anarchy. This "deal" is probably to prevent a new government from putting him on trial or sending him to The Hauge.

Mugabe has spent millions of dollars building a house in South Africa, where his wife spends most of her time, so expect him to move in there.

Where has there been any real change that people want in socalled democrat societies. Its just socialism in all countries and there pretending you get a choice.

It took how many days to come to a decision?

reply to post by andy1033


...Yes.

Do you even know the meaning of socialism? Without using wikipedia. If you want to talk socialism, make a thread about it. Don't hijacks ste2625 thread with a different topic.

Again, back to the topic at hand.

British, French and US ambassadors are now meeting the government, Mugabe is still expected to make a statement VERY soon to the nation.

Zanu-PF sources have said Mugabe has losted the election.

reply to post by andy1033


It took so long for the results to be announced because Zanu-PF were clearly contemplating faking the result. Obviously they've now realised that the scale of their defeat is too great, and the pressure both within Zimbabwe and from the international community is so extreme that to try to pass it off as another Mugabe victory would have devastating results.

Not quite sure what socialism has to do with any of this, though...

Anyway, Mugabe may very will be out within the next few hours. Let's hope Zimbabwe can put the Mugabe years behind them and start along the long road to recovery.

[edit on 1/4/08 by Ste2652]

The liberals in Zanu-PF want him to go, they fear bloodshed.

Secondly, a new president would result in the European Union and the United Nations investing, providing food and rebuilding the infrastructure. We are expected to get the results either tonight or tomorrow morning.

It depends if the talks and deal making is going on.