This cannot be the way to solve the genuine problems of land reform. The announcement from Mugabe's office appears to reflect a new confidence before the parliamentary elections, which are expected to be called soon. Increasing violence against and intimidation of the government's opponents, and an agreement by white farmers which effectively ends their political activity in many rural areas, has delivered a severe blow to the campaign to topple Mugabe's Zanu-PF party. It is a sign that the opposition is shying away from further confrontation that the trades unions congress called off the strikes and protest rallies planned to mark May Day today and asked its members to stay at home and pray. We will maintain our activities.
Intimidation can never win a vote.
But the impact of the coercion could be seen at an MDC rally in the opposition's heartland yesterday. Fewer than 200 people turned out for the meeting in the Harare township of Chitungwiza, and most of them declined to wear MDC badges or T-shirts. One young man said his family had urged him not to go. Even if nothing happens today they are worried that Zanu-PF is watching and will remember. People here will still vote for the MDC, but they will not want to say so publicly if they think it will get them killed.