Publication

This report examines reasons for the failure of the regional mediation effort to resolve Zimbabwe's crisis and comments on the uncertain outlook for the national elections on 29 March 2008. It introduces the slow progress and meager results of the mediation effort, outlines the electoral environment of the national elections and identifies political challenges to the ruling ZANU-PF party. Subsequently, the paper presents several election scenarios and discusses the possible international engagement after the elections. It concludes that Zimbabwe's situation is volatile and warns the region's leaders against recognizing an illegitimate government again.