afrol News, 25 February - Zimbabwean President Robert has predicted his ruling Zanu-PF party's resounding victory in the forthcoming combined presidential, legislative, senate and local government polls on 29 March.

Mugabe, who celebrated his 84th birthday, launched his campaign in Beitbridge town at the weekend.

He has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980.

Four candidates, including the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Morgan Tsvangirai, and the former Finance Minister Simba Makoni, are contesting against Mugabe as he seeks the sixth mandate.

Makoni, an influential member of Zanu-PF, is standing on an independent ticket. He claimed to have garnered huge support within the ruling party. Angered by his action, Zanu-PF had expelled Makoni from the party, accusing him of being "a puppet of western forces."

President Mugabe said he would not hesitate to open a new chapter with his government's critics, particularly President George Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown after the polls.

"It is the sanctions that they have imposed which have caused a great deal of harm on the economy," Zimbabwean leader told a rally.

The leader of MDC, Morgan Tsvangirai has launched his manifesto with scathing attacks on the government.

"All of Zimbabwe is in the custody of a dictatorship," Tsvangirai told supporters in the eastern town of Mutare.

"We're all bleeding, but we're marching on. We are weak and with hunger, but we are stronger with anger."

He described the Zimbabwean economy as "an enclave economy that is uneven, unequal and virtually dead."

Tsvangirai said "Zimbabwe is one of the world's great humanitarian crises."

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories