The BBC’s John Simpson is reporting from Harare.

As a result, the economy here is now in free-fall.

When I arrived in Harare on Monday, the Zimbabwean dollar had fallen to 9 billion to the US dollar. On Tuesday it was 12 billion, and on Wednesday 15 billion.

Inflation is said to be 165,000%.

One member of my team bought some apples at a supermarket. In between taking them off the shelves and walking over to the check-out desk, he was told apologetically that the price had doubled.

Robert Mugabe blames all this on the western world and its sanctions.

Some people clearly believe him.

Others feel their country is collapsing because of his disastrous management of its affairs.

As a result of today’s vote Mr Mugabe’s rule will continue.

So will Zimbabwe’s collapse.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 11 am and is filed under africa, money, news.