A step back for South Africa

That Thabo Mbeki or his neighbors in Namibia and Botswana would allow Zimbabwe's election, already three weeks over, to drag out further is disappointing for African governance. Mr Mbeki affirmatively denied a crisis in Zimbabwe, and then went there, even to the dismay of his own ANC. Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia seems to be the only one with his head on straight, but given Mr Mwanawasa's history of accountability, that is to be expected.

It is hard to imagine would could be gained for Mr Mbeki from his style of "quiet diplomacy." His poll numbers have been consistently anemic, and he has drawn exceptional domestic criticism for his handling of HIV/AIDS in South Africa and dodgy maneuvers regarding the SADC (South African Development Community) and his run against Jacob Zuma. Increasingly a lame duck, Mr Mbeki is doing little to carve out a legacy.

He is, indeed, what the New York Times calls "a complicated man," but it is puzzling why he would so cheerfully throw himself at the feet of Robert Mugabe. There is little question that Mr Mugabe's incumbent ZANU-PF used intimidation, especially in rural areas, and has been less than forthright with the election results. And Mr Mbeki's silent diplomacy will only lock him out with Mr Mugabe.