Zimbabwe opposition leader hopes for fair poll

Zimbabwe opposition leader hopes for fair poll

TSVANGIRAI

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By Agencies

ZIMBABWEAN opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai faces a possible death sentence, but that and severe restrictions on electoral campaigning have not dampened his hopes for a free and fair poll next year.

The biggest political rival to President Robert Mugabe, who came to power more than two decades ago, Tsvangirai says his opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) will press on for electoral reforms ahead of the elections in March.

“We want to participate in the elections, but we are very sceptical about putting legitimacy to a process which is flawed. Hence our demands that the playing field be levelled,” he said in an interview.

“Hopefully, at the end, when these standards are achieved, it will give us sufficient confidence to participate.”

Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front government has imposed a slew of laws that may drastically limit the MDC’s hopes of being on a par with the ruling party during the run-up to the elections and on polling day.

The MDC does not have access to any broadcasting media and the government has closed down three independent newspapers.

No public meetings or election rallies can be staged without police permission. Anyone can be arrested if authorities believe they “threaten state security” and can be detained for up to 23 days without charges being brought.

Tsvangirai, a former secretary- general of the powerful Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, faces treason charges for allegedly plotting to eliminate Mugabe. If convicted, he can be sentenced to death. – Sapa-AFP
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