Mugabe warns against Kenyan-style violence

Mugabe warns against Kenyan-style violence

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By Cris Chinaka

ZIMBABWEAN President Robert Mugabe warned the opposition on Friday against Kenyan-style violence if they lose next week's election, saying security forces stood ready to crush such protests.

The 84-year-old leader faces a stiff challenge from former ally Simba Makoni and long time rival Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main faction of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), amid a desperate economic crisis.

Mugabe said security forces would put down any violence similar to clashes in Kenya that killed more than 1,200 people after the opposition challenged the results of an election in December.

"If Tsvangirai and his (MDC) group have such plans, they must stand warned," Mugabe told about 20,000 cheering supporters in his rural home area of Zvimba, 100 km north-west of Harare.

"That will never happen here, never, never. We will never allow it. We have enough security forces to handle that."

Political analysts say Mugabe, who earlier this year looked assured of an easy re-election, faces a serious bid from Makoni, who says he is working with some senior officials of the ruling Zanu PF party and a resurgent Tsvangirai.

Tsvangirai on Thursday accused Mugabe of abusing his position to win next week's poll by invoking presidential powers to amend electoral laws to allow police officers -- whose superiors have publicly backed Mugabe -- to assist illiterate and disabled voters in polling booths.

Previously, the law did not allow police officers within 100 metres (yards) of polling stations.

The opposition has not said it would call violent protests if it loses.

In Marondera town, 60 km (40 miles) east of Harare, Makoni told reporters after a campaign rally that the electoral playing field was not even, noting limited coverage by state media and that his supporters were being intimidated by Zanu PF.

"We remain hopeful, certainly desirous of an outcome reflecting the will of the people but remain anxious and concerned as to the integrity of the process," said Makoni who was forced to hold the rally outside a stadium because Zanu PF officials were distributing farm equipment there.

U.S.-based Human Rights Watch has said the party was using handouts of farm equipment as a tool to gain political advantage.

Mugabe said he would romp to a landslide victory to shame former colonial power Britain, which he accuses of funding the MDC and Makoni.

The veteran leader threatened that his government could in future retaliate against British interests in Zimbabwe, saying sanctions -- designed to target Zimbabwe's leaders -- were hurting his country.

"To the British, your sanctions will demand that in future we retaliate and when we reciprocate, we will hit your businesses," Mugabe told his supporters.

He said he was disappointed that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown had taken over from predecessor Tony Blair by pursuing a hostile policy against Zimbabwe.

Mugabe also rejected comments by British officials casting doubt on whether next week's presidential, parliamentary and council polls would be free and fair. The European Union has also raised doubts over the process.

"We had hoped for a repair of relations but Blair and Brown are both blooming fools."

"They have already rejected our elections and prejudged the process, these devilish liars" said Mugabe. - Reuters
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