MDC factions unite against Mugabe

MDC factions unite against Mugabe

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THE two factions of Zimbabwe's main opposition party will join forces in parliament to form a majority against President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party, the opposition leaders said at a joint press conference in Johannesburg on Monday.

"It's our pleasure to announce that our two formations in parliament have agreed to work together," said Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, speaking alongside Arthur Mutambara, head of a faction of the MDC.

"There will be no division amongst ourselves vis-a-vis the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis. I'm here to show solidarity to the winner of the presidential election in Zimbabwe," Mutambara said, referring to Tsvangirai.

The two Movement for Democratic Change factions together control 109 seats against 97 seats for Mugabe's Zanu PF party, according to early results from the March 29 elections.

Tsvangirai has also proclaimed himself the winner of a presidential election held on the same day. Results from the presidential vote have still not been released by the authorities, pending a prolonged partial recount of ballots.

Tsvangirai said Mugabe "cannot be president" with parliament controlled by the opposition.

"Mugabe should concede that he cannot be president without controlling the parliament," Tsvangirai said.

"Mugabe must find a way to retire. The old man must go and have an honourable exit," he added. - AFP
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