Thanks for small mercies. Elections in Zimbabwe have gone without serious violence and was not the doomsday some predicted.

Thanks for small mercies. Elections in Zimbabwe have gone without serious violence and was not the doomsday some predicted.

Except for the bombing of the house of a Zanu-PF official in Bulawayo, the event was relatively peaceful.

There were no rampant pro-President Mugabe anarchy. Instead, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) declared themselves winners long before the counting was completed.

Expectations were grim because of the biggest challenge to Mugabe since he ascended to power 28 years ago. Few people expected the Zanu- PF demagogue and his security to fold their arms as his authority was put to test, and rubbished in some instances.

Early results showed that the MDC had swept urban areas. However, they can do their reputation no harm by exercising restraint and waiting for the final count.

Such breast-beating at this stage can only fuel emotions.

Equally, we hope Zanu-PF will gracefully accept defeat if the voters opt for the MDC.

Too much blood has been spilt on our continent in the name of the people for us to stand by as another election is rigged.

We pray that the violence that shattered Kenya after its gerrymandered elections in December will not be repeated just north of our border.

Such conduct can only help cleanse the image of Africa, and Mugabe's.

Zimbabwe has to move on.