http://www.zimbabwetoday.co.uk/2008/02/seven-ways-to-w.htmlSeven ways to win an election
If you thought elections were all about speeches, manifestos and honest campaigning...think again
Zanu-PF have a formidable arsenal of dirty tricks, dodgy methods, threats, schemes, bribes and beatings up their sleeve, and now, as the election draws inexorably nearer, they're all coming out on show. This week I compiled my top seven, though doubtless there are many more. Here we go with the Moses Moyo count-down: How to win an election seven different ways.
1. Pay your soldiers: The government needs its bullyboys on its side. So this week trillions of dollars have been distributed to troops, police and civil servants. My sources say the government secured some $137 trillion from the Reserve Bank for this purpose. Thus a private in the army, that's the lowest rank, who earned $310 million in January, this month received £1.2 billion. That should prevent any mutinies.
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6. Text a threat. The Mugabe pack are not frightened by modern technology. Alarming text messages have begun popping up on mobile phones everywhere in Zimbabwe. The messages include the following: "If your neighbour is an MDC supporter, throw him out of his house." "We are watching you, vote wisely and not for the imperialists." And "Value your life, vote for Mugabe."
http://www.zimbabwetoday.co.uk/2008/02/seven-ways-to-w.html