From the Economist

The results have left the MDC’s supporters in shock. Some of its leading figures have lost their seats. Yet the party went into the election campaign knowing that the voters’ roll (as well as the broadcast media) would be biased against it. Mr Mugabe had decreed a snap election that left little time for voter registration, analysis of the voters’ list, or a correction of any irregularities. The MDC contested the elections anyway. Even on election day its leaders still seemed confident that disgust with Mr Mugabe’s often violent rule was sufficient to level the playing field.

Did they miscalculate?

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Are the MDC-T MP’s going to accept their positions or boycott this new government? via Twitter

The worst thing that ever happened to Zim was the GPA? (Duh) via Twitter

Tsvangirai’s decline mainly has to do with the way the MDC-T relaxed when it joined government. Tsvangirai’s team was too pre-occupied with luxuries like cars and houses rather than focusing on issues affecting ordinary people and the need for change. They also became complacent and arrogant. While Mugabe and Zanu PF used the inclusive government to regroup, the MDC relaxed in there. Tsvangirai and MDC-T must take full responsibility for the consequences of their actions in the last four years. They have no one else but themselves to blame. – Blessing Vava in the Zimbabwe Independent

Zimbabwe’s presidential and parliamentary elections were “free, honest and credible” – Olusegun Obasanjo, African Union via BBC

Photo: Jamie McLaren

Political parties in Zimbabwe win elections in two ways: by mobilizing their own supporters and suppressing the opposition vote. With its origins as an armed guerrilla insurgency, Zanu-PF has always used both approaches, combining force and patronage to build a political base of “no-go” zones in the country’s rural northeast where the MDC cannot campaign. Absent deep roots in either the labour movement or business community, Zanu-PF long ago lost the allegiance of most urban voters. For its part, however, the MDC, with its undisciplined performance in the coalition government, failed to consolidate its early support among these same groups. It also neglected the need to rebuild its own organization and consummate a grand coalition with minor opposition parties.

More from Michael Bratton writing for Foreign Affairs here

Photo: Jamie McLaren

I think leadership renewal is now imperative. MDCs have tried & failed. The class of 1999 needs to make way. @BekiMpofu