If a week is a long time in politics, imagine how long 28 years of Robert Mugabe’s rule feels to the people of Zimbabwe.
The 83-year-old will be seeking yet another term in office next month.
Yet the calling of the elections has in itself proved controversial.
Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party had made a commitment to dialogue within the Southern Africa Development Community mediation process, but the calling of the election was done without any consultation.
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change says the conditions do not exist in Zimbabwe for free and fair elections but, despite threats to boycott it, is now planning to contest them.
However in an amazing tactical own-goal, the MDC won’t be united as its two factions plan to contest the 29 March poll separately.
Desperate
Eighty three-year-old Mugabe – who has been in office since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980 - will be standing for the presidency yet again but this time it looks like he will face a rival originally from his own party.
Former Finance Minister Simba Makoni is preparing to stand as an independent and is thought to offer a more moderate outlook.
Nick Burn, Tearfund’s Desk Officer for Zimbabwe, commented, `Zimbabweans are desperate for change and these elections, even though they are heavily weighted in Mugabe’s favour, give a glimmer of hope.
`Our prayer is for leaders that will serve their people rather than their own interests, and set the country on the road to reconciliation and recovery.’
Mugabe’s regime remains under international pressure. The EU imposed sanctions in 2002 and is due to review them shortly. To find out more, click here.