New Development

Important new development. Please continue to pray for Zimbabwe.

From the UK Guardian, posted at 9:40am EST:

"2.40pm
Mugabe is negotiating with Tsvangirai, amid signs that he maybe prepared to resign, according to the New York Times.

Mugabe has opted for a possible transfer of power because he regards a run-off as demeaning, a diplomatic source told the paper.

If true this would be a "stunning turnabout", as the paper says.

"Hurray for Zimbabwe!! Best news in a long time", says EBain on Twitter (thanks for the tip).

The NYT quotes local insider John Makumbe saying: "The chiefs of staff are talking to Morgan and are trying to put into place transitional structures."

Tsvangirai's people have denied that talks are taking place. But they have said that he is due to hold a press conference at 5pm (4pm BST)."