Dilemma

The leader of the MDC in Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, has said he may pull out of the Presidential elections because he fears for the lives of his supporters.
President Mugabe, once looked upon by the world as the steadying influence on African politics, has shown a lust for power which has turned him into a dictator. If the truth be known - which it never will - he probably lost the previous round in the presidential election. But he contested the result and, after a lot of wrangling and behind-the-scenes arm twisting of the judiciary, a second round of voting was called. Mr Mugabe has the military behind him, probably because they want to retain power.
So Mr Tsvangirai has a dilemma. Does he continue to contest the election and risk further killings of his supporters or does he withdraw? The trouble is that if he withdraws then Mugabe can continue with his corrupt regime and the killings will probably still continue. But can he ask his MDC supporters to continue risking their lives?
Even if Mugabe loses the election there is no guarantee that he will relinquish power. He still has the military behind him and would probably use force to keep the presidency. He has stated that God put him in power and only God can remove him.
I cannot advise Mr Tsvangirai. He and his party are between a rock and a hard place. Lives are at stake.
So is the future of a whole nation.