By Moshoeshoe Monare
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who has seven academic degrees, once bragged that he was in possession of an eighth degree - in violence.
This is why some Zimbabweans fear his reaction if, after 28 years, he loses power in Saturday's elections.
However, his party and government aides still brag about sailing through the presidential, senatorial, council and House of Assembly polls - despite opposition leaders' saying this is the end of Zanu-PF's power grip.
The opposition is also subtly threatening to resist any of Mugabe's "tricks" and suspected "vote-rigging".
MDC MP Job Sikhala has warned of Kenya-style disturbances if Mugabe fixes the elections. He was rebuked by Mugabe on Wednesday, who said he would not tolerate anarchy.
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Zanu-PF has always, and mostly violently, won the past general and presidential elections. Its violent track record is unnerving political observers in Zimbabwe.
The National Constitutional Assembly, a pressure group, is already appealing to members of the security forces to uphold the constitution irrespective of the outcome of tomorrow's elections.
"The political elite is hopeful that you will protect their positions and maintain the status quo. The people of Zimbabwe are hopeful that you will support their yearning for change," it said.
Abel Chikomo, advocacy co-ordinator with the Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe, says he is highly concerned about the subtext in Mugabe's puzzling messages at his party rallies.
"The president said (MDC leader Morgan) Tsvangirai would never rule this country. What message is he sending to his supporters who may not be that sophisticated to interpret this as political rhetoric?
"Two MDC guys were brutally killed in Bikita West (Masvingo province) just after the 2000 elections by Zanu supporters.
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