On
Special Assignment this Tuesday:
Episode Title: The Ballot Of Thorns
Date: Tuesday, 24 June, 2008
Time: 21h30
Channel: SABC 3
Please note: this release was issued on Wednesday, 18 June so the programme may be different to include latest Zimbabwe developments.
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On 27 June, Zimbabweans go back to the polls to choose a new president. The hotly contested election pits the incumbent, President Robert Mugabe and opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Both failed to garner the constitutionally required 50% plus one vote in the 29 March elections. But the recent outbreak of violence has left many doubting if the vote will be free and fair.
International leaders are already calling the vote a disaster. President Mugabe contends these are just plans on the West’s regime change agenda.
Opposition supporters have however been on the receiving end, with Morgan Tsvangirai accusing state security agents for working with the ruling Zanu PF supporters to terrorise his constituency.
Sixty-six people have already been killed in the worst political violence to grip the country in years. President Mugabe and the army have warned they won’t accept an opposition victory. Dozens of opposition leaders and supporters are now behind bars, accused of working with Britain and the US to unleash an orgy of violence in the country.
“The Ballot Of Thorns” is written and produced by Peter Moyo .