Though belated, I want to congratulate Mr Robert Mugabe on his re-election as Zimbabwe President for a final six year term. His victory was a blow to the Western world, particularly Britain's Tony Blair, who all along supported Opposition candidate Morgan Tsevangirai.
Well done, Dr Mugabe, if for nothing else but for showing the world that Africa will not dance to anybody's tune. You brought pride to those African colleagues who stood firmly behind you in the recent Commonwealth Summit in Australia, where Mr Blair lobbied to expel Zimbabwe from the Club.

Having said that, here is a word of caution. The violence witnessed during the pre-election days cannot in any way be termed democratic. That thousands of citizens were denied their democratic right to vote on day three was unfair. Whether they would have voted for your Zanu-PF party or for Mr Tsevangirai is not the issue – adherence to the dictates of a free and fair election is.

Nonetheless, African leaders were fast in showering you with congratulations. Their reactions were not at all unexpected. For election violence and irregularities have been their modus operandi. From Lusaka to Arusha to Abujah – election irregularities have have become all too common.

So, Dr Mugabe, put in place a plan to revive the plummeting economy. The land reform process should be conducted with caution to avert further chaos. It would also be wise to extend the olive branch to your opponents and incorporate them into a unitary system of government.