A campaign poster for President Robert Mugabe is posted along a city street June 21, 2008 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Human rights groups have accused Mugabe's ruling party of mass voter intimidation and violence against the political opposition ahead of the scheduled June 27 presidential runoff vote between President Mugabe and opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai. © John Moore/Getty Images

Focus

Zimbabwe Crisis Reports

Years active: 2008-2012

Voter Registration Ends With a Whimper

A campaign to register voters for next year’s election ended almost unmarked, with many people saying they were unaware of the three-month long process.

SADC Mediation Effort Has Little Impact

Analysts dismiss the South African president’s claim of significant progress in negotiations to break Zimbabwe’s political deadlock.

Grain Supplies Running Low

Although the government insists everything is fine, domestic grain production is down on last year and imports may not cover the shortfall.

Food for Votes in Zimbabwe

Local relief groups complain that government pressure is compromising their ability to feed a hungry population.

Constitution a Vexed Issue in Mediation Process

Both sides in the Zimbabwean confrontation want to change the constitution – but in radically different ways.

Parliament to Shape Next Year's Election Battleground

Proposals cover expanded legislature, changes to constituencies, and even the eventuality that President Mugabe might opt to retire.

Mugabe Puts Out the Barbecues

Meat and alcohol shortages, caused by ill-judged economic policies, end moneyed Hararians’ weekend binges.

New Intercept Law Condemned

Wide-ranging powers to conduct surveillance are designed to extend the government’s grip at a time when the international mediation effort is focused on greater openness.

Renewed MDC Strife Bodes Ill for Elections

Deterioration in relations between opposition factions likely to hand ZANU-PF victory on a silver platter.