SOUTH AFRICA: Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to contest run-off poll against Mugabe
Record ID:
454870
SOUTH AFRICA: Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to contest run-off poll against Mugabe
- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to contest run-off poll against Mugabe
- Date: 11th May 2008
- Summary: (FLASH 1110GMT) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, (MAY 10, 2008) (REUTERS) MDC LEADER MORGAN TSVANGIRAI AND FACTION LEADER ARTHUR MUTAMBARA ARRIVING FOR THE NEWS CONFERENCE PARTY OFFICIALS SEATED MDC FACTION LEADER ARTHUR MUTAMBARA LISTENING AS TSVANGIRAI SPEAKS (SOUNDBITE) (English) MDC LEADER MORGAN TSVANGIRAI SAYING: "We as the MDC believe our people will feel betrayed if we shied away from the final knock-out. We have lost hundreds of people in the democracy movement since 1999. Their sacrifices must not be in vain, we must fulfil the dreams of our people, who have been betrayed and traumatized since March 29. The MDC therefore, has decided that we would contest the run-off, and the people would finally prevail. The people have spoken before, and the people will speak again. I am ready and the people are ready for the final round." JOURNALIST (SOUNDBITE) (English) MDC FACTION LEADER ARTHUR MUTAMBARA SAYING: "There's going to be a run-off in Zimbabwe, and I am here to declare total war on Robert Mugabe and his surrogates, we are closing ranks, we are backing the candidacy of Morgan Tsvangirai, in keeping with the decision of our national 'Khanzo' (unity)". PARTY OFFICIALS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) MDC LEADER MORGAN TSVANGIRAI SAYING: "Firstly, I think there has to be total cessation of all violence, the demilitarization of that whole society. Secondly, there has to be unfettered access by all international observers, from SADC, the AU, the United Nations, everyone must have access to provide international observers." PARTY OFFICIALS SEATED MEDIA AND WIDE OF THE NEWS CONFERENCE
- Embargoed: 26th May 2008 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVAKOHP6T54L7048VP621T08WMZ
- Story Text: The leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition group said on Saturday (May 10) he would participate in a run-off after disputed elections on March 29 in hopes of unseating veteran President Robert Mugabe.
But Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he would only contest the run-off if international observers and media had full access to ensure the poll is free and fair. The opposition has accused Mugabe and his ruling ZANU-PF party of trying to intimidate voters and rig the ballot.
Official results show Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in the presidential poll -- but not by enough votes to secure an absolute majority and avoid a run-off.
In a parallel parliamentary vote, the ruling ZANU-PF lost its majority to the opposition for the first time since independence in 1980.
"The MDC ... will contest the run-off. I am ready, and the people are ready for the final round," Tsvangirai said at a news conference in South Africa.
It was the first time the opposition leader committed to participating in the run-off, which he says is not necessary because he believes he won the election outright.
"We want unfettered access of all international observers,"
he said, listing the conditions for his participation in the run-off.
Tsvangirai said he was also asking the regional SADC (South African Development Community) grouping to send peacekeepers to Zimbabwe to instil public confidence in the vote.
He said post-election turmoil and weeks of delays in confirming the winners of the March vote had discredited the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, and he called for the body to be reconstituted.
Tsvangirai, who left Zimbabwe shortly after the elections and has been engaging in regional shuttle diplomacy to garner support, said he would return to Zimbabwe as soon as possible, and that the election should take place no later than May 24.
The MDC, rights groups and Western nations have accused ZANU-PF of launching a campaign of violence to ensure Mugabe wins a run-off. ZANU-PF denies the charge and accuses the MDC of carrying out political attacks.
Zimbabwe's government last month accused Tsvangirai of treason and of working with former colonial power Britain to topple Mugabe in the elections.
Zimbabweans had hoped the election would usher in a period of prosperity and greater freedoms.
Instead, they have fallen victim to a struggle between their president and Tsvangirai, who has raised questions about his leadership by touring African states seeking support from leaders instead of taking on Mugabe at home.
Critics blame an economic collapse in Zimbabwe on Mugabe's policies, including the seizure of white-owned farms to give to landless blacks. Mugabe, 84, says sanctions imposed by his Western critics have ruined the country. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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