Looks like the message may finally be getting through to Thabo “No Crisis” Mbeki, if a BBC report is anything to go by – up until now South African criticism of the election fiasco has been coming from the ANC and other non-governmental bodies, but now Government spokesman Themba Maseko has joined the growing chorus:

South African spokesman Themba Maseko told the BBC there was a fear that the situation in Zimbabwe could deteriorate because the results of the presidential poll had not been released.

“It is our view that all the participants should come together, sort out all the causes of the delay, and then release the results as a matter of urgency,” he said.

When asked whether South Africa still adhered to a policy of “quiet diplomacy” in dealings with Zimbabwe, Mr Maseko said that South Africa’s position had not “been coming out as clearly as it should”.

Didn’t know until now that they had a position, other than “wait and see”.

In the meantime, it’s Independence Day tomorrow, not that it’ll be worth celebrating for anyone.  Preparations are already being made for Bob to address his adoring people at a rally at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield (a ZPL football match has apparently been organised, to lure in the unfaithful), as if business continued as usual.  In the meantime, the MDC’s Arthur Mutambara (he of the ‘breakaway’ faction) has issued his own Independence address to the nation – you can read it at Kubatana – calling for the two MDCs and Jonothan Moyo to convene Parliament, even without its Zanu-PF members, and start putting the essential business of change into motion:

In a way, the people of Zimbabwe and the opposition forces are underestimating the critical role and power of the House of Representatives. This is probably because for the past 28 years it was rendered a docile and ineffectual institution due to its domination by ZANU-PF. Now that we are in control of this legislative organ of the State, let us demonstrate its true function and impact. The 110 opposition Members of Parliament (from the two MDC formations and the Independent MP) must informally convene, immediately. They should elect the Speaker, and outline a comprehensive agenda for the incoming Parliament. Items that should be debated and adopted must include, but not limited to:

(1) Impeachment of the caretaker President, Robert Mugabe
(2) Removal of AIPPA and POSA
(3) Establishment of processes for achieving a people-driven democratic constitution
(4) Immediate prosecution of public servants, including military and police officers who are currently abusing their authority
(5) Establishment of processes to rationalize the land reform program
(6) Setting up of a Truth and Justice Commission for Gukurahundi and Murambatsvina
(7) Immediate removal from office, and criminal prosecution of, the RBZ Governor, Gideon Gono
(8) Dismantling and reconstitution of ZEC.

Although this gathering of, and resolutions adopted by these 110 MPs will be informal, a framework for the terms of reference of the formally convened House is thus created. As these MPs constitute the majority they will use this informal platform to drive the Parliamentary agenda. This will send shivers down the spines of that illegal cabal running our country, as reality will suddenly sink in. The game is up! We need to demonstrate that Mugabe has lost and that the people have won. Even without the Presidential results we can unequivocally say that the Zimbabwean political landscape will never be the same again. ZANU-PF understands what has happened. They clearly appreciate the significance of their Parliamentary loss. This is why they are busy trying to reverse their poor fortunes through recounts and court actions. The opposition forces must both out think and outmaneuver these ZANU-PF losers who are running all over the place like headless chickens.

I doubt Mugabe would stand by and allow any such “informal” Parliament to meet, but the idea is sound – and it would certainly be interesting to see what response any such move met.  There’s also a need for the MDC to do something on the ground, instead of allowing the momentum they gained by winning this election to continually drain away.