A team of Zimbabwean journalists based in Hertsmere have raised fears about the country's future as they await its election results this week.

SW Radio Africa broadcasts from a studio in the borough to Zimbabwe over short-wave transmission and the internet. Gerry Jackson, who was born in Kent but lived in Africa for many years, set up the station in December 2001. The radio team is awaiting the outcome of presidential elections, with indications suggesting the ruling party of President Robert Mugabe may have come second to opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).Ms Jackson said: "We have absolutely no idea what will ultimately happen. We, as journalists, are trying to make sense of the situation like the rest of the world."Mugabe is digging his heels in and not giving any indication that he may be going."He is not letting votes be counted properly, beating opposition supporters, and 27 farms with white owners have been invaded and occupied by his people."We thought Mugabe had done a deal to resign as it seemed so clear that the opposition had won. We thought he was cornered."Zimbabwe's High Court declared on Tuesday that a petition to consider the release of election results was now considered an urgent matter.The voting system in the country has changed, with the results of each polling station to be posted at the site once the count is completed.Ms Jackson added: "To have a change in the voting system absolutely made a difference, but what I believe Mugabe will do is not let the results be released."With the economy the way it is, people are finding they can't live in Zimbabwe. I would say almost 50,000 people are leaving every month - just getting under the razor wire and escaping the country."There is no education, no healthcare, no food and 80 per cent of people are unemployed. There is no real government at present, so the country is in complete limbo until the elections are over."I see no signs that Mugabe will leave, so all we can do is carry on with our work and await the outcome."