CRS-7 According to official Reserve Bank figures, government borrowing in the first three months of 2008 was 43 percent above the projected budget deficit for the year.29 The MDC initially called for the immediate deployment of election observers from outside Africa (in addition to the SADC and AU observers) as well as the deployment of regional peacekeepers during the runoff. The party later modified its demands, saying that an increased SADC and AU observer presence would be sufficient, if combined with an immediate repeal of restrictions on the MDC’s ability to campaign and an end to political violence. The opposition nevertheless remained largely unable to hold public rallies, which were banned by police in the capital in mid-April. Tsvangirai, who left the country a week after the elections amidst MDC concerns about his safety, returned on May 25. Given post-election statements by government officials accusing him of treason, many believed he would not be allowed to campaign freely inside the country.30 The MDC leader had been tried, and acquitted, for treason in 2004. Based on interviews with high-ranking Zimbabwean officials, the International Crisis Group (ICG) issued a report suggesting a Tsvangirai victory in the runoff could trigger a military coup.31 June 2008 Runoff Election During the weeks following the announcement of the presidential results, reports of political violence increased dramatically. Critics contend the violence was a government-orchestrated attempt to punish opposition supporters and ensure a Mugabe victory in the runoff.32 According to media reports, security forces and militias manned roadblocks and detention centers throughout the country, despite the increased presence of over 500 international monitors from SADC and the AU. In July, the Washington Post reported on the government's alleged campaign of violence against the opposition, referred to as "Coercion. Intimidation. Beating. Displacement.," or CIBD. The Post article highlighted debate within the ruling party's inner circle over the effort, which has reportedly targeted mid-level MDC organizers, as well as ordinary citizens, for severe beatings and or death. President Mugabe has been quoted in the press saying, "We shed a lot of blood for this country. We are not going to give up our country for a mere X on a ballot. How can a ballpoint pen fight with a gun?"33 29 “Crisis Looms After Harare Vote-Buying,” Financial Times, April 11, 2008. 30 Referring to an alleged letter between Tsvangirai and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Zimbabwe’s Herald accused the MDC leader of plotting “illegal regime change” and quotes outgoing Justice Minister Chinamasa , “It is clear... that Tsvangirai along with Brown are seeking regime change in Zimbabwe,and on the part of Tsvangirai, this is treasonous...There is no doubting the consequences for acting in a treasonous manner.” The MDC says the letter is a forgery. See “Zimbabwe Opposition Accused of Treason,” CNN, April 17, 2008. 31 ICG, “Negotiating Zimbabwe’s Transition,” Africa Briefing No. 51, May 21, 2008. 32 Human Rights Watch called the violence "a brutal campaign of torture and intimidation" and documented direct involvement by the security forces. "Zimbabwe: Army Behind New Wave of Human Rights Abuses," HRW Press Release, April 30, 2008. 33 "Zimbabwe Election: Mugabe Threatens to Arrest Opposition Leaders" The Guardian, (continued...)