I have kept silent for a long time about the rapidly deteriorating economic, social and political situation in Zimbabwe in the hope that this week's elections could heal these problems. I have not ignored or denied the problems and I have regarded them as a clear example of how a lack of democracy, freedom and liberties can disintegrate a country and become the greatest possible curse to its people. I have prayed in the hope that things could be turned around.

I am very saddened to receive reports from independent observers that seem to indicate that things have not gone well enough during an election which can no longer be regarded as free and fair. It must be understood that in the Zimbabwe electoral system, the one who passes the post takes all and the one who is defeated takes nothing. If one were faced with a vast disproportion of votes, allegations of impropriety would be less relevant.

But in a situation in which the reported spread of difference in votes between the two candidates is so small, any allegation of impropriety which departs from the standards of democracy and freedom tilts the scales in a very significant fashion, which alters the real will of the people.

Apparently, there is consensus amongst the independent observers on some of the many problems observed, some of which are relevant to our perception of the Zimbabwe elections. Reportedly, the voters' roll was adversely affected by the requirement of long-term residence in the voting district when many people where forced out of their habitual places of residence and others were induced to leave the country on account of their dual citizenship.

The state-controlled media has also been reported as showing overwhelming support and bias in favour of one of the candidates and the police forces have been reported as playing a supportive role to one of the candidates.

Similarly, it has been reported that one of the candidate's electoral teams have had the exclusive use of all the schools across the country for their logistical support. Moreover, on Monday many people wishing to enter the electoral polls' perimeters were not allowed in, thereby becoming disenfranchised.

We cannot ignore these reported problems and we cannot isolate them from the many problems which we have seen taking place in the run up to the elections which have highlighted how democracy and freedom in Zimbabwe have progressively disintegrated. The very notion of the rule of law and all the values which our democracy professes to hold dear, have long been in jeopardy in our neighbouring country. We cannot but be extremely concerned, saddened and worried about this further turn of events which seems to plunge Zimbabwe even deeper into a crisis.

We must express our support to the people of Zimbabwe who are the final arbiter of their destinies, and who will have to find the strength, courage and inspiration to deal with the historic misfortune of their present circumstances.